Fifty young anglers recorded a record 608 releases

http://www.floridakeysnews.info The Independent Newspaper
12-year-old sets Junior Derby record

ISLAMORADA - Fifty young anglers recorded a record 608 releases
during the Islamorada Fishing Club's Junior Derby Fishing Tournament.
Held Nov. 26-27, the all-release multispecies challenge drew anglers
ranging in age from 3 to 16 years to test their skills in the waters of
the Florida Keys.
Twelve-year-old Michael Wortell of Doylestown, Pa., won the
tournament's master angler title and set a new record for the Junior
Derby. Guided by Capt. Billy Harbaugh, Wortell amassed 1,200 points
with catches including three permit, three cobia, three grouper, two
redfish and several other species.
Just behind Wortell was 8-year-old Cailin Reckwerdt of Islamorada,
guided by Capt. Donny Lange. Reckwerdt accumulated 680 points,
releasing a 100-point redfish as well as fish from 14 other species.
Both Wortell and Reckwerdt earned the chance to represent the
Islamorada Fishing Club in the 2005 Mercury/International Game Fish
Association Junior Angler World Championship.
Junior Derby anglers competed in six divisions based upon their age and
whether they were guided by a professional captain. Both backcountry
and ocean species were counted in the point accumulation, with a
maximum of three of each species included. Rules allowed anglers to
fish from boats or from shore.
At the close of the tournament action, six youngsters had earned grand
champion honors: Jake Turek of Tavernier; Danny Ochab of Orlando; Cody
Turek of Tavernier; Cailin Reckwerdt; and Ryne Danzig and Nichole
Thomas of Islamorada.
Both Turek boys competed in the unguided category, but were poled by
15-year-old local fishing phenomenon Richard Black.
Heather Harkavy of Fort Lauderdale earned an outstanding catch trophy
for being the only angler to catch fish on a fly. In addition to using
her fly skillfully, the 9-year-old tied it herself.
As well as encouraging young anglers, the Islamorada Fishing Club's
Junior Derby promotes conservation.
Six participants, including Harkavy, were awarded conservation
leadership trophies for their pro-environmental efforts during the
event.