$20,000 in cash prizes awarded at the 11th Annual Blue Water Fishing Classic
$5,000 Grand Prize awarded to Team Rising Sun
(MIAMI, June 2, 2014) – Amateur, professional, and junior anglers competed for a chance to win up to $20,000 in cash prizes at the 11th Annual Blue Water Fishing Classic, Saturday, May 31, 2014. The tournament, hosted by Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, in partnership with the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, launched from all six Miami-Dade Parks’ marinas.
Sponsors of the tournament included Westrec Marinas, Shoreline Foundation, SeaTow, IAFF local 1403, Southeast Total Marine, Fastboats Marine Group, Captain Harry’s Fishing Supply, Therapy IV, New Moon, Pay by Phone, Soccer 5 Foundation, Loggerhead Marina, Marini and Associates, PA Tax Attorneys, Boat Center, Kelley Fleet, and Black Point Ocean Grill. Net proceeds of the tournament will support parks and park programs.
The $5,000 Grand Prize was awarded to Team Rising Sun, pictured above, for a total combined weight of 65.38 lbs. Winners were determined by the combined weight of the three largest fish within the species of dolphin, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and kingfish.
The winners of the 11th Annual Blue Water Fishing Classic are as follows:
$5,000 Grand Prize Winner:
From Black Point Marina – Team – Rising Sun at a combined weight of 65.38 lbs. Team was comprised of John Buhrmaster, Jay Bogaards, Denise Armesto, Steve Patrillo, Zachary Armesto (Junior) & Capt. Rene Armesto.
$1,500 Lady Angler Grand Prize Winner:
From Black Point Marina – Denise Armesto from Team Rising Sun at a combined weight of 23.95 lbs.
$1,000 Mayor’s Grand Prize Winner for County employee participants:
From Black Point Marina – Team – Rising Sun at a combined weight of 65.38 lbs. Team was comprised of John Buhrmaster, Jay Bogaards, Denise Armesto, Steve Patrillo, Zachary Armesto (Junior) & Capt. Rene Armesto. Department represented was Parks.
$1,500 Dolphins Challenge 1st Place Winner for the Largest Dolphin:
From Crandon Marina – Robert Cuba from team Salty Nutts at a combined weight of 19.05 lbs.
Bill Bird Marina at Haulover Park:
$1,500 First place: Team – Day Sea at a combined weight of 28.95 lbs. Team was comprised of Capt. Jimmy Wicket, Robert Desmond, Chris Bostwick, Lance Larkins, and Mike Dumas.
$750 Second place: Team – RAAM PROS at a combined weight of 12.75 lbs. Team was comprised of Capt. Javitz, David Cardenas, Jorge Cardenas, Miguel Estevil, and Michael Estevil.
$100 Junior Angler: None
Black Point Marina:
$1,500 First place: Team – Rising Sun at a combined weight of 65.38 lbs. Team was comprised of John Buhrmaster, Jay Bogaards, Denise Armesto, Zachary Armesto (Junior) & Capt. Rene Armesto.
$750 Second place: Team – Never Enough at a combined weight of 27.11 lbs. Team was comprised of Eduardo Carmona, Hector Saavedra, Michael Lavernia, and Milton Lavernia.
$100 Junior Angler: Team – Rising Sun. Junior angler Zachary Armesto at a combined weight of 17.36 lbs.
Crandon Marina:
$1,500 First place: Team – Salty Nutts at a combined weight of 33.95 lbs. Team was comprised of Robert Cuba, Juan Luna, Hector Martinez, and Jose Ocasio.
$750 Second place: Team – Endless Summer at a combined weight of 12.20 lbs. Team was comprised of Luis Rios, Ricardo Martinez, Eric Godreau, and Humberto Porrata.
$100 Junior Angler: None
Homestead Bayfront Marina:
$1,500 First place: Team – Rezkill at a combined weight of 29.10 lbs. Team was comprised of Mike Walker, Luis Perez, and Ray Smith.
$750 Second place: Team – Metro-Dade Bridge Inspection at a combined weight of 17.20 lbs. Team was comprised of Capt. Raymond Carroll, Keith Emard, Dusty Guy, Rick Davis, and Kim M. Guy.
$100 Junior Angler: None
Matheson Hammock Marina:
$1,500 First place: Team – Tax Aid at a combined weight of 56.90 lbs. Team was comprised of Capt. Bruce Burnett, Ronald Marini, Manny Menendez, Bret Pollack, and Ricky Lindner.
$750 Second place: None
$100 Junior Angler: None
Pelican Harbor Marina:
$1,500 First place: Team – No Worries at a combined weight of 36.90 lbs. Team was comprised of Adam Cohen, Stephanie Navas, Adam Tanner, and Elizabeth Estrada.
$750 Second place: Team – Dream Catcher at a combined weight of 28.00 lbs. Team was comprised of Jason Chockley, Rudy Kerkerian, Chris Rabil, and Jeffrey Rabil.
$100 Junior Angler: Team – Local 1403. Junior angler Kevin Blanco at a combined weight of 3.00 lbs.
The three-day event kicked off on Thursday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m. with dinner, open bar and silent auction at the Captain’s Party at Fairways on the Key at Crandon Golf Course, where anglers received instructions, the rules and regulations, a Captain’s Bag with tournament t-shirts and souvenirs, and their boat entry numbers. The event concluded on Sunday, June 1, when anglers returned to Crandon Golf for the awards ceremony and celebration where winners received a trophy and their cash prizes. Boats were allowed to check in and launch out of all six Miami-Dade Parks marinas.
About Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.
About The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade
The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.liveaparklife.org.