By Paul Lebowitz

Annual benefit for the American Cancer Society raises event-record $12,500

September 14, 2007

How does one surpass the thrill of catching a hard-charging 51-lb yellowtail off La Jolla - from a kayak? If you’re Larry Laumann, the man who battled a beast of a yellow back in 2005, you hook a solid 31-lber to win the 2007 Steve Moyer Memorial Kayak Fishing Tournament. 

The Moyer is the west coast’s longest running and most prestigious big-game kayak fishing event. The winning catches are spectacular, and 2007 was no exception despite a brisk pre-dawn wind that never quite let up. On September 8, Laumann and the rest of the 154 paddle or pedal powered field contended with rough water and a lackluster bite. Still, La Jolla always gives up a few of her riches for the Moyer Memorial.

Laumann, a pro staffer for Fastlane Sailing and Kayaking, got his opportunity came when he was pedaling his Hobie kayak southwest of Scripps Pier. He spotted a group of puddling yellowtail, dropped an Everingham Brothers sardine to the bottom, and the rest was history.

“This could be considered the Superbowl of Southern California kayak fishing. I'm feeling very fortunate. It's surreal as this fish is my first yellowtail of 2007. Time on the water has been limited and the catching less than stellar. I was just floundering until I got bit,” said Laumann, who launched an hour after the rest of the pack due to equipment issues.   

The 2007 edition of the Moyer was the fifth annual benefiting the American Cancer Society. The contest is named for kayak fisherman, all-around waterman, and friend and mentor Steve Moyer, who succumbed to cancer in 2003.

“Every one of you has been touched by cancer. Thank-you for coming,” tournament organizer Jim Sammons told the crowd at the afternoon awards ceremony and barbecue. Sammons owns La Jolla Kayak Fishing, San Diego’s first and most experienced guide service and outfitter.

Putting on the tournament is a tremendous effort. Sammons rallies the entire Moyer and Sammons clans to the cause, and relies on the generous support of friends and companies throughout the kayaking and fishing ranks.

“It’s definitely worth the work,” said Matt Moyer, Steve’s adult son. The 2007 event raised an event-record $12,500 for the fight against a pervasive disease that impacts most American families.  

NO LATECOMER TO VICTORY – Larry Laumann got a late start at the Sept 8 Moyer Memorial Kayak Fishing Tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society. His tardy launch at the west coast’s longest running and most prestigious big-game kayak fishing event proved no handicap. Laumann landed the jackpot fish, a 31-lb yellowtail. The kayak fishing community was the biggest winner. Under the leadership of Jim Sammons of La Jolla Kayak Fishing, they raised an event-record $12,500 for the fight against cancer.  PHOTO COURTESY LARRY LAUMANN

UASC CALICO CHALLENGE DEBUTS AT THE MOYER – John Pawlak shows off the chunky checker that brought him the win in calico catch-photo-release bonus contest sponsored by United Anglers of Southern California. UASC Outreach Coordinator Dan Fink traveled from Los Angeles to warn tournament competitors that the area they fished that day could be closed tomorrow if they don’t take a proactive interest in the MLPA process.

Laumann’s 31-lb yellowtail won the overall jackpot and the yellowtail division. Matt Rabasco was second overall with a 24-lb yellowtail. William Stone took third in the jackpot and the white seabass division. He trolled his 12-lber up using a blue and sliver Krocodile.

Kiyo Sato won the halibut division with an 11-lb flatfish. He was drop-shotting sardines in 60 to 70-ft of water off the pier when he hooked the first of two legal halibut. Peter Spiller won the “Other” division with a 5-lb bonito. Nancy Ortiz weighed in a bonito to take the top lady angler prize.

Division winners each chose a boat from an impressive stable of cutting-edge fishing kayaks: a Cobra Kayaks Expedition, Hobie Mirage Revolution, Malibu X-Factor, Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident, Old Town Dirigo 140, or Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160i. A second newly debuted Prowler Trident, rigged to the hilt, raised over $3,000 in auction.

John Pawlak hazarded the waves south of the Children’s Pool for the 23-in calico that won the Moyer’s inaugural United Anglers of Southern California Calico Challenge. “It was an exciting day to fish in tight,” said the captain of Okuma’s kayak fishing team of the big waves that barreled onto the beach. Pawlak had to run for cover a time or two. His audaciousness earned him a $300 Abu Garcia Revo Inshore bass combo.

About two dozen anglers took part in the new catch-photo-release contest sponsored by UASC. The organization’s Dan Fink and Jenny Armstrong traveled from Los Angeles to spread the word about the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative.

“The MLPA is threatening to close the La Jolla Kelp and Point Loma. It’ll come down here where people were fishing today and shut down some favorite areas. The threat is real,” Fink explained as he urged tournament participants to pay attention and get active in fisheries politics. “The MLPA can’t be stopped, but it can be minimized,” Fink added.   

After the tournament, Sammons reflected on the effort to raise money for ACS, a 5-year total of over $43,000. He’s proud of the accomplishment, but gives all the credit to the kayak fishing community and the businesses that support it. “The people who come support the heck out of the tournament. They were incredibly generous. They know what it’s all about,” Sammons said.