b"Native Son Gets It Done in the Derby with 11 Releasesby Tom 'Buzz' Bzura, WPBFC PresidentIt takes more than just an1 additional release on Day appreciation for the fishery2, bringing their tourna-off the Palm Beaches to suc- menttotalto8releases. cessfully catch and releaseCaptain Bryan Boyle and the esteemed sailfish.Thisthe ADHD/Deadicated, a 62 angling spectacle continuesViking, finished with 6 re-to challenge some of the fin- leases for a 4th Place Over-est captains and crews dur- all finish, similarly having a ing the Silver Sailfish Derby atbig first day with not much the height of sailfish seasonto show Day 2.in early January.A sold outCaptain Jamie Barnett 50 boat fleet celebrated thisand the Catch N Reese, a 45 crown jewel of sportfishingHatteras,madeasplash once again fishing just four87th annual Silver Sailfish Derby Top Boatamong their sailfishing col-lines, a rule rooted in the his- winners, Team 'Native Son'. leaguesfinishing2ndPlace tory of the tournament.With limited baits in the waterOverall.This was their best finish to date.While the theres only so much ground to gain on fellow Derbycaptain certainly deserves credit running the boat, hav-participants.Every bite counts.Landing multiple fishing exceptional anglers is a must to successfully hook hooked up at the same time is a true test of angling skillsailfish and wind the 15 foot leader within grasp of the and teamwork, but one necessary to climb the competi- mate.Kris Meola of Marblehead, Ma., accounted for tive leaderboard.Captain Art Sapp and the Native Son6 of the 9 fish caught aboard the Catch N Reese.Kris capitalized on each fish in the spread to come back onwould earn the title of Top Angler Overall in the 2024 the final day of fishing and win the 87th running of TheDerby for his accomplishment tangling with sailfish on Worlds Oldest Sailfish Tournament. 20 pound test line.This honor is awarded with the A total of 149 Atlantic sailfish were releasedMrs. Henry R. Rea trophy, a magnificent over the duration of the 2024 Derby and 13silver sailfish sculpture that dates back to sails were tagged.Calm conditions offshorethe events origin in 1935 and is sponsored by and light rain showers on the first day werentElizabeth Richebourg Rea of Connecticut. ideally suited for flying kites and presenting live baits. The second and final day of this Derby would produce Participants and spectators alike who follow the tour- 9 more fish than the previous day.A persistent south nament each year have a great perspective on the fleetswind built throughout the night and would continue to sailfishing prowess.It seems Derby boats have alwaysgrow throughout the day.It especially picked up in the managed to catch sailfish despite the conditions.Thefinal few hours of the tournament.When the weather tournament is headquartered out ofmakes drastic changes from one day to Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Shoresthe next, theres opportunity for teams where the 48 Viking, Priceless, hasto go from zero to hero adapting to the docked seasonally for some time.Thenew conditions offshore.Captain Art Priceless won the Derby in 2023.ThisSapp and the Native Son, a 39 SeaVee, naturally had other tournament boatshad just 2 fish the first day.Their goal anxious after seeing them get off to an- for Day 2 was to close the gap and other hot start.Capt. Jorge Sanchezmake a comeback; they would do just and crew had 7 sailfish releases afterthat.Day 1 of fishing and took Top DailyTheir first fish on Day 2 would not Boat honors.They would ultimatelycome until 11:24 am, nearly 3 and a half finish 3rd Place Overall recordinghours after the 8 am Lines-in call 2nd Place Boat Overall, Catch N ReeseJ anuary8-11, 2025 5"