b"'Miss Texas ' Rallies to Derby Victoryby Tom 'Buzz' BzuraF ishing the Silver Sailfish Derby is more than pre- posted 7 releases to fill in 2nd place Daily with 4 of those senting lively baits in the sailfish sector of the Gulf- coming from the Top Daily Angler, Daryl Deka of Wel-stream; its carrying on a tradition that many anglers havelington, FL. Capt. Andrew Dotterweich and the 'Fish cherished for decades. Theres a nostalgic excitement inOn'crew took 3rd place on the day, also with 7 fish, beat the air thats unique to the Derby. As the throttle comesout only on time of release. The south wind was almost down to punch out Palm Beach Inletnonexistent that morning but gusted and spend a day offshore, participantsaround 10 knots in the afternoon before know theres much more on the linelines out at 4pm. than just wintertime sails. Some of theThe 2nd and final day of the Derby finest captains, anglers and crews tookwould produce 32 less fish than the pre-to the water in early January to fishvious day, as the fleet recorded 82 sails. the 84th running of the Worlds OldestA howling west wind switched things Sailfish Tournament.up, and the top crews from Day 1 didnt Crisp weather and calm seas greetedexactly find the same bite. The 'Doing the 47 boat fleet Day 1. The first fish re- It All/Hardway' crew started the final leased in the West Palm Beach Fishingday with high hopes and even higher Clubs (WPBFC) 2021 Silver Sailfishexpectations, successfully hooking and Derby came 14 minutes into the four- releasing a double. But their lead was line event, after the 8am lines-inshort lived, as they wouldnt catch an-sounded over the VHF radio. Ian Gold- other sail after that, and finished 3rd stein on the 'Shell Yeah', a 37 SeaVee,Overall (on time) with 9 releases. Team was on the rod for that first sailfish'Gator One' would suffer a similar fate release. A total of 196 Atlantic sailfishand release just one sailfish on Day 2. were released over the duration of theAs the old saying goes, You dont leave two-day tournament and 25 sails were tagged.fish to find fish. Capt. Ryan McBride and the 'Gator One' team releasedReturning to the3rd Overall - Doing It All/Hardway8 sails to take Top Daily Boat honors Day 1. Capt. Markscene where Day Lamb and the 39 Contender, 'Doing It All/Hardway',1shotbiteoc-curred resulted ina4thPlace Overall finish for 'Gator One' with 9 total releases aboard their 39 Yellowfin.Whatmakes Everglades Equipment Group is a family owned and operated full service Johnthe captain de-Deere dealership founded in 1963 with 17 locations covering central and southcide to fish north Florida. Today, Everglades has become one of the largest John Deere dealers in the world by focusing on customer experience through providing cutting-edgeorsouth?Pre-equipment and highly trained service.fishing and com-municating with other boats helps gather intel on where the bite may be Day 1, but when the seas change and the wind switches around after the first day of fishing, perhaps just the flip of coin could decide if they make a right or left turn headed offshore. Some things are better left up to chance. On Day 2, Capt. Matt Bierley and team 'Miss Texas', a 40 Gamefisherman, bested the fleet with 8 releases to claim Top Daily Boat; the crews tournament accolades would not stop there. They continuously picked away at a pod of sails while kite fishing south out of Palm Beach Inlet. The commotion of each leader grab was followed by a Visit us today! Or give us a call at: vigorous applause as the crew would commend each other 13295 Southern Blvd 561-784-4000 for the successful release. There were times when theyd Loxahatchee, FL 33470 For more information visit:hook a fish right alongside another boat who was also EFE1963.COM soaking baits to the best of their ability. It must have just been the 'Miss Texas'day as one fish led to another, and the crew (Capt. Matt Bierley, Gregg Hemingway, York"