By Paul LebowitzNovember 25, 2005 A crowd of kayak anglers gathered at San Diego’s Shelter Island on November 12 for Plastic Navy’s Kayak Fishing Classic 4 (KFC4). At 8:00 a.m. a horn sounded, scattering more than 100 fishing kayaks across San Diego Bay. Whoever could corral the five largest bass would claim honors on the day. But more than a tournament victory was at stake. The event was the culmination of Plastic Navy’s Tournament Trail, a series of seven catch and release saltwater bass tournaments. One skilled kayak angler would earn the title Angler of the Year before the day was done. Ed Howerton, fishing without the benefit of electronics from a borrowed kayak, compiled a 13.39 pound tournament limit that narrowly bested second place finisher Forest Talbott’s 13.28 pound tally. Nathan Clookie finished third with 11.86 pounds, anchored by the jackpot fish, a chubby sand bass that went five pounds even. |
Big San Diego Bay Bass – Nathan Clookie’s five pound slug of a sand bass propelled him to third place in Plastic Navy’s Kayak Fishing Classic 4. Kayak anglers competing in the event caught and released 258 14-inch minimum bass. PHOTO COURTESY PLASTIC NAVY |
| There was a surprising turn of events in the Tournament Trail competition. Dave Easton’s solid 10.40 pound KFC4 limit propelled him to victory in the race for Plastic Navy Angler of the Year. Easton ended the competition with a cumulative score of 54.39 pounds of saltwater bass caught and released. Prior leader Matt Brewer came into the final event with a solid eight pound advantage, but he couldn’t overcome a tough day on San Diego Bay and had to settle for second with 52.53 pounds. Tom Buckalew placed third in the Trail with 51.42 pounds.
Tournament director Drew Clark was effusive in his praise of the top Trail finishers. “Those guys showed a tremendous commitment to diversify their angling skills and adapt to changing conditions. They pre-fished every event, fished the tournaments hard, and displayed the utmost in sportsmanship,” said Clark. Once all the winners had been congratulated it was time for the raffle benefiting Friends of Rollo, a non-profit organization that introduces kids to the healthy outdoor recreation of fishing. With fishing kayaks from Cobra Kayaks, Ocean Kayak, and Wilderness Systems up for grabs, $1 raffle tickets were in high demand. Brandon Howerton, the young son of the tournament winner, dropped his twenty tickets into the bucket containing over 3,000 others and crossed his fingers. He’d been tossing and turning all night, anxious for a shot to win a kayak of his own. The youngster wasn’t disappointed. His number came up twice; the next time his father wants to go kayak fishing he can borrow a boat from his lucky son. The Tournament Trail was the first west coast multi-event fishing competition for kayak anglers. It is uncertain if the popular event will be offered again next year. The Plastic Navy staff is stepping away from hosting big tournaments to devote more time to their families. Clark was clearly feeling bittersweet now that inaugural Trail has reached the end of the road. “It was an honor to run the Trail. Thanks for showing up. I hope somebody picks up the torch and continues it because it kept the year interesting and fun,” said Clark. For expanded event standings, see PlasticNavy.com. |