Blues for DU doubles attendance

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(June 9, 2023) Bahia Marina’s second annual Blues for DU fishing tournament drew twice as many vessels as last year, with 13 boats and kayaks from Friday to Sunday last weekend.

In total, 48 anglers fished in the tournament.

Last year about $10,000 was raised for Ducks Unlimited, a wildfowl habitat conservation organization, said Shawn Harman, co-owner of Bahia Marina. This year, the tournament garnered just over $11,000 for DU.

“All the money goes to habitat protection, which is good because that benefits everything,” Harman said.

The first-place prize went to Shaun Flaherty, who caught a 12.1-pound bluefish. Flaherty won $1,175 for heaviest bluefish, and $1,000 in the winnertakes-all bonus calcutta.

The second-place winner was Rich Daiker, who received $700 for an 11.9pound bluefish.

Third place went to Reece Schindler, who was awarded $470 for a 10.8pound bluefish.

Schindler was also the top junior angler, so he received a new fishing rod, reel and Huk bucket along with the third-place cash prize.

“We had fish in every slot, so every- body got paid,” Harman said.

Harman said the fishing was also better than last year in general, although Saturday was probably the best day overall.

“They’re (bluefish) migratory fish. When they’re here, they’re here. We got lucky,” Harman said. “[The weather] wasn’t bad. It was just cold.”

Having OC Kayak as an event sponsor helped increase the number of kayakers in the tournament compared to last year, Harman said.

Bahia Marina’s next tournament is the Poor Girl’s Open, a ladies-only catch-and-release billfish fishing tournament, Aug. 17-19, which benefits breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.