Memorial fly-fishing festival near Copano Bay

Story by Mimi Sams

Port Bay Club held its annual fly-fishing tournament Saturday Aug 3. The Eric Nelson Memorial Fly Fishing Festival was another huge success with 10 fishermen casting for the top prize. Winds were calm in the early morning and picked up as usual throughout the day. 

Five fishing teams participated with many fishing the entire 12-hour event. The sun burned the anglers as big storms built up north of the club.

Most teams fished out of areas in or around Copano Bay and one team fished the outside.

Most casters said the fish were very finicky and hard to catch. Two fish were caught on a top water poppers.

Emerson Hankamer and friend, Matt Morris were guided by Capt. Billy Trimble. Their team Strip N’ Rip won the Redfish category with 58.5 inches of redfish. They also pulled through with the most redfish spots from a red that had a total of 9 spots to win the Spot Calcutta. 

Matagorda Mafia -1 won the Trout category with 68 inches. Mimi and David Sams caught all of the trout before the sun rose on small chartreuse clouser minnows. 

Team ElboNorPol, Bo and Moss Fennell, guided by Capt. Alan Skrobarcek, won the wildcard category with 46.6 inches of various species which included a 12-inch hard head and multiple ladyfish. They also had three reds but were just shy of Hankamer’s team total.

Each group fished for the total inches of (3) fish Redfish, (5) Trout, and Wildcard categories.

Following the weigh-in, the teams celebrated with margaritas, a toast to their late friend, Eric Nelson and delicious fish tacos prepared by Capt. Alan Skrobarcek and Miguel under the reconstructed CRR.

The Port Bay Club started construction on the main lodge Aug 6. Members are excited to have it up and running in full force for next year’s tournament. 

Results:

Strip N’ Rip

Emerson Hankamer & Matt Morris

Guided by Capt. Billy Trimble

Redfish: 58.5 in.

Trout: 15 in.

Wildcard: 39 in.

Redfish Spots: 9

Matagorda Mafia -1

David & Mimi Sams

Trout: 68 in.

ElboNorPol

Bo & Moss Fennell

Guided by Capt. Alan Skrobarcek

Redfish: 57.85 in.

Trout: 61.6 in.

Wildcard: 46.6 in.

Redfish Spots: 2

Gueros Con Mustachios

Chris & John Williams

Guided by Julie Williams 

Redfish: 42 in.

Trout: 14 in.

Redfish Spots: 2

Dilligas Anglers

Tim Harrison 

Reported that he caught two reds and offered no other information.