Dirty Work wins Offshore Challenge
By R.G. Greene
rgreene@gtowntimes.com
It was a great weekend of fishing for owner Joe Wells and the crew of Dirty Work.
The residents of Wando captured first place in the 15th annual Tailwalker Marine Offshore Challenge, landing a king mackerel weighing 41.40 pounds.
Through its history, the tournament has earned the reputation of being one of the top events in the southeast - drawing fishermen from around the state as well as those from neighboring states like North Carolina - and Tailwalker Marine owner Stuart Ballard said this year's tourney was no exception.
"Everyone had a great time," Ballard said. "It was a very successful tournament. I think it was one of the best we've had."
Owner Robert Olsen and the crew of Knot @ Work placed second in the event and owner Donald Casselman and the crew of Papa's Ride finished third.
With the 15th annual event finished, Ballard was already thinking ahead to next year's event.
"It's a lot of work to put everything together," Ballard said. "But it is something we always look forward to. We try to make each tournament better than the one before. We feel like there is always something we can improve on."
For boats 23 feet and under, William T. Pierce, aboard Blue Sea Hunt took first place, reeling in a King Mackerel weighing 32.12 pounds. Michael O'Neale, fishing aboard SeaDaze, was second with a catch of 32.06 pounds and Kevin O'Neale, fishing aboard In 2 Deep, placed third with a catch of 30.26 pounds.
Other winners, as well as those placing second and third in each category, were:
Largest spanish mackerel: Craig Hoover, Blade Runner, 6.87 pounds; Tamp Graves, Screamin O, 6.43; Bert Harvey, Juggernaut, 4.50.
Largest Cobia: Sammy Grayson, Cut Loose, 39.62; Jim Coster, Kaja, 36.42; Mitch Yates, Sea Rat, 36.29.
Lady Angler: Amelia Wirth, Dirty Work, 41.40; Ashley Hewitt, Papa's Ride, 37.24; Ashley Alford, Blue Sea Hunt, 32.12.
Junior Angler: Kateland Todd, Black Cat, 26.85; Julian Wilhelm, Mean C. 21.43; Les Smith, Team Winner's World, 21.34.