b"Pottratz, Chris Hodge, Paul Murray, Chris Gilbane,to support this strong conservation ethic to ensure their Freddy David, Joey Salvo and Tom Land) claimedfishery stays healthy for many years to come. Lastly, and their spot in the sailfishing history books as the winnersperhaps most notable, angler Mike Simko of North Palm of the 84th annual Silver Sailfish Derby. Adding to their 4Beach would be deemed the Top Angler as he turned the releases from Day 1, the 'Miss Texas' totaled 12 releaseshandle on all 9 of the 'KiteKeeper's fish.This individual atop their competitive colleagues.honor is awarded with the Mrs. Henry R. One aspect of tournament fishing is2021 Rea Trophy winner Rea Trophy, a magnificent silver sailfish confirming releases via video. This entailsMike Simko sculpture that dates back to the events ori-clearly identifying that its a sailfish ongin in 1935 and is sponsored by Elizabeth camera and showing a successful releaseRichebourg Rea of Connecticut. The Rea by touching the leader. When the bite is onTrophy remains one of the crown jewels in and crews are scrambling in the cockpit toall of angling. make it all come together, sometimes es- The Top Lady Angler trophy is sponsored sential elements of capturing the releaseby the Hampp Family of New Jersey in on video are missed. This is an unfortunatememory of Rose Hampp, who won the byproduct of modern-day tournament sail- honor in the 1957 Derby along with many fishing.This year the Derby Committeeother awards throughout her accomplished had to disqualify a fish that was a makeangling career. Carly Desmond was or break. The 'Priceless', a 48 Viking,awarded the trophy releasing 5 sailfish was tied with 'Miss Texas' at the end ofaboard the 48 Viking, 'Day Sea'. This the tournament but had the edge with anaward is always highly coveted. Many of earlier time of release for their final sail.these lady anglers have proven theyre just The committee had to DQ one release from the 'Priceless'as skilled tangling with sailfish on 20 pound test line as on a fish that was never seen on video and couldnt beany other crew member who might grab the rod. identified as a sailfish. This resulted in a 'Miss Texas' win.The Silver Sailfish Derby, is produced by the West Palm The integrity of theBeach Fishing Club and continues to be the organiza-2nd Overall,Derby comes downtions marquee event. While the Derby looked Teamto upholding rulesa little different this year, the sport fish-Priceless astheyrestateding tradition continued. The WPBFC is to ensure all crewsproud to host this tournament that repre-are complying to thesents an important part of its regions unique identity.same criteria.Video review is intended to confirm fish, not disqualify them. It can all happen so fast when releasing this exciting pelag-ic species and the WPBFC appreciates crews taking the nec-essary preparations to participate in this aspect of the tourna-ment. Jorge Sanchez, Capt. Nick Carullo and the 'Price-less' had an impressive Day 2 and were outside the top 3 headed into the final hour of fishing. They would make a clutch push and finish 2nd Overall with 11 releases. Hats off to the crew for taking the ruling in stride, in an act of sportsmanship to fellow participants. Capt. Dave McGaha and the 'KiteKeeper' would earn several titles in the historic Derby. They enjoyed calm seas Day 1 and sported the snotty Day 2 conditions in a 35 Strike center console to become the Top Small Boat, finishing with 9 releases to a 5th place finish overall. The 'KiteKeeper' managed to tag all 9 of their fish to claim Top Tag Team honors as well. The Derbys hallmark is its great ties to early billfish conservation and crews continue T ighTL inesB uLLeTin- s ummer2021"