b"Annual Fishing Contest Winners 2022By Tom Bzura, WPBFC Managing DirectorIts always refreshing to look at the final results of the West Palm Beach Fishing Clubs (WPBFC) Annual Fishing Contest and see just how many incredible fish were caught throughout the angling year (November 1stOctober 31st). When you see catches like a 57 lb. 5 oz. dolphin caught by John Fiorentino, a 7 lb. spotted sea trout caught by Mike Mathias, or a 54 lb. 9 oz. yellowfin tuna caught by John Gambino, you know youre always just one bite away from the fish of a lifetime. All of these fish were caught in Florida waters. Both adult and junior anglers entered a variety of different species in numerous tackle categories. Fifteen-year-old Charlie DeBay of Palm Springs earned the title of Junior Angler of the Yearin 2022, demonstrating true angling skill and dedication to fishing. Between school and other extracurricular activities, it requires a true effort for these young anglers to make the time to target the appropriate species needed to qualify for this award. When kids are passionate about fishing and the outdoors, its a sacrifice theyre more than willing to make. Charlie proved this to be true as it was his 2nd consecutive year winning this competition. Impressive fish like a 15 lb. 10 oz. bonito and a 10 lb. 5 oz. snook both caught on fly 20 tackle were included in his resume. A tip of the cap to this young man on his back-to-back Junior Angler of the Year accomplishment.TheGrand Champion Adult Angleraward is arguably the WPBFCs highest angling honor recognizing the best fisherman, or woman, in the club. For just the second time in the history of the Clubs angling programs, a lady angler took top honors. A special congratulations goes out to Amanda Thaw ofPalm Beach Gardens for posting a truly impressive resume of catches to earn this title. Amanda was strategic and persistent in her approach to posting winning fish that would beat out other anglers catches. She put a strong emphasis on landing fish with spin, plug and fly tackle in the Clubs casting categories on artificial lures. A 19 lb. 8 oz. jack crevalle2022 Grand and a 4 lb. yellowtail snapper on spin 8 are two great examples of how sheChampion Angler, was able to entice the bite while manipulating lures throughout the anglingAmanda Thawyear. All skill aside, it also doesnt hurt to have a little stroke of luck come your way as well. Amanda was fortunate enough to have a hungry 12 lb. grouper eat her flatline bait 2022one early afternoon off Jupiter. This fish was landed on 12 lb. test line, lighter than most Juniorbring offshore. Great things happen when youre spending a lot of time on the water. Its Anglera good sign to see anglers going after this prestigious award each year, and all the brag-ofging rights that come with it. theLastly, over 30 trophies and new PENN Fishing rod & reel combos were awarded to Year,WPBFC Pee Wee Champions, kids age 9 and underwho entered a fish in the Annual Con-Charlietest. DeBay The Club has a long history ofkeeping kids excited about fishing.The prizes are a way to acknowledge their2022 efforts and help cultivate the nextPee Wee generation of anglers who are sureChampions to catch many more impressive fishwithin the future. Remember, you can'ttheir win if you don't enter your catch! trophies16 W estP almB eachF ishingc luB"