Repower Center

them a newfound level of respect for anglers and, for many, sparked a newfound interest in shing. e competition was close, but Team Gypsea, led by Capt. Taylor Sanford and supported by fourtime Pro Bowlers Matthew Judon and Dalvin Cook, claimed the championship trophy. e grand prize winnings consisted of a $100,000 donation to the Coast Guard Foundation.

“It was fascinating to watch elite NFL athletes realize how much e ort it takes to reel in saltwater sh,” said Je Stillwell, president of Salt Life. “ eir willingness to learn about techniques and take a genuine interest in doing things correctly shows why they are top-tier athletes. Plus, there is nothing like seeing someone catch a sh for the rst time!”

SFC’s e Catch had various components, including a pro-am tournament with other NFL legends and athletes. e Awards dinner was incredible, featuring a breathtaking drone light show and a Havana-themed atmosphere.

For more, visit sport shingchampionship.com. Follow Astrid Degruchy’s shing adventures on Instagram @catching_astrid.

Gulf Angler Charters • 850-428-0118

From the ever popular American Red Snapper, to the acrobatic Mahi Mahi, the Gulf of Mexico is the place to be in June. With all of these awesome fish around, I’d like to challenge you to learn how to target, rig and prepare for certain species. Know your target species and go after it!

I recently took my kids to the pier for an hour or so just to walk around and enjoy the weather. I couldnt help but notice all of the different methods being used out there. Bobbers and Zebco push button reels, giant hooks with tiny frozen bait pieces and multi hook rigs tied every which way imaginable. Upside-down reeling was popular as well as the running-start casting method. Which is fine. But it shocked me to see so many people dedicating their day (and money) out there that were oblivious to proper technique or any technique at all. Admittedly, pier fishing is not my forte and I know some mighty fine fishermen with a back round of pier fishing so I was genuinely curious. The man replied with “I don’t know, anything I guess.” This June don’t be the man on the pier. If you’re going to spend your time and hard earned money fishing in the Gulf, it’s up to you to fabricate a game plan for success.

The right tackle for the right fish. The correct rod and reel for the species you are targeting. The bait, the hooks and the footprint of your presentation and the behavior of your artificial baits. The line capacity, line strength and leader strength. These will all play a roll in how successful you are. You don’t have to have years of experience to know that a trout rod and reel setup will likely not land a 100 lb tarpon from 40’ high on a pier. And that using a 4/0 conventional combo to catch a trout is not the best look. It’s should all look right and make sense. Good luck and happy Panhandle fishing!