the roy martin young anglers awards ceremony will be held on the

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
57th Annual Roy Martin
Young Anglers Tournament
July 11, 2015
A very special thanks to
EXXONMOBIL
for sponsoring the
Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament.
Special Thanks to
Academy Sports & Outdoors,
Momma Goldbergs Deli, Bailey’s T.V.,
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.,
Golden Flake, Artic Ice
Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds
Gulf Coast Exploreum,
Mobile Bay Bears,
The Estuarium
Calagaz Printing,
Zeigler, and Reefmaker Artificial Reefs,
for their contributions this year.
The 57th Annual Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament,
will be held Saturday, July 11, 2015, from 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at
the ADSFR site on Dauphin Island. The weigh station will be open
from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is open to all
children 15 years old or younger. Tickets are available at ADSFR
ticket outlets throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties. Tickets are
$3.00 each.
The purpose of the tournament is to encourage participation
of young people in sport fishing and to teach and encourage good
sportsmanship. We encourage the many regular anglers to invite a
friend or two to share in the excitement of the Roy Martin Young
Anglers Tournament. Each angler will receive a certificate, hot-dog,
chips, and drink for participating in the tournament.
1
ROY MARTIN YOUNG ANGLERS TOURNAMENT
RULES AND REGULATIONS
PREAMBLE:
Every sport has its code of ethics. The sport of fishing is no exception;
therefore, all participants shall display honorable, ethical, sportsmanlike
conduct in regard to the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament rules and
their own competitive fishing.
1. A copy of the rules shall be kept aboard each boat and available to
each participant. Each participant shall read and thoroughly familiarize
himself/herself with these rules. Any participant who violates any rules
of the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament, whether intentional or not
could possibly disqualify himself/herself and all other participants aboard
his/her boat. A disqualification shall prevent a participant from collecting
prizes for fish registered.
2. The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is open to all children
fifteen (15) years of age or under as determined by the date of the
scheduled Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament. The captain or owner
of each participating boat shall see to it that every child participating is
registered.
3. Any captains permitting a person on his/her boat to violate any rule
of the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament may cause all participants
aboard his/her boat to be disqualified.
4. The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is a Captain’s Choice
Tournament. Captains allow the participants to fish at their discretion
and accept full responsibility for their crew and vessel whether on land or
water.
5. All tickets must be properly completed with the required information
at the time of ticket purchase. Only registered participants are eligible
tor prizes. Registration tickets must be presented at the weigh station
when entering a fish for prize competition on Saturday, July 11, 2015,
between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Tickets are not transferable
or refundable.
6. All fish entered must be caught within the territorial waters of the Roy
Martin Young Anglers Tournament. The territorial waters of the Roy Martin
Young Anglers Tournament are the same as the A.D.S.F.R. and include
all open and public waters enclosed within the following boundaries:
NORTH: In the Gulf Coast including all bays and inlets; EAST: Longitude
85; SOUTH: Latitude 25; WEST: Longitude 91.
7. The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament will begin at 5:00 a.m.,
Saturday, July 11, 2015, and end at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2015.
8. The official weigh station is the A.D.S.F.R. Site. Dauphin Island,
Alabama, and will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.
9. All Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament winners will be determined
by the largest fish entered in each category according to weight, subject to
limitations as outlined in Rule 15. In case of a tie in any category, the first
fish weighed in that remains on the final board will be declared the winner.
10. All fish entered shall be weighed using platform or hanging scales,
per the judge’s discretion. Those fish requiring to be weighed by hanging
scales will be lifted and weighed by the head with the exception of Shark.
11. An angler will be permitted to hold and win only one place per category
at any one time, but may place in more than one category simultaneously.
12. All fish shall be kept in as good a condition as possible, preferably on
ice, so the judge can make an accurate judgement as to its freshness.
Any fish deemed to be spoiled or rotten may be disqualified. Any fish that
has been shot, cut, mutilated, bangs truck, frozen or showing signs of
unsportsmanlike handling may be disqualified. In addition, all fish entered
may official rules.
13. No fish will be accepted for registration that has been gutted or
chemically treated prior to weighing. The official judge or his representative
may at his discretion gut any fish presented.
14. All fish entered into competition must be caught by the participant
registering the fish and it must be caught with a manual (no electric reels)
rod and reel or pole and line. No participant shall be assisted in any way
to land his or her fish except for help in netting or galling his/her catch. No
exceptions are made. Flounder may NOT be gigged.
15. The following species and their minimum lengths (if applicable) are
2
categories in the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament. The official
judge will not accept for entry any fish in the below categories that does
not meet the minimum length requirements as specified.
16. The ADSFR reserves the right to amend these lengths and/or remove
any fish from competition, without notice, at any time in order to comply
with federal and/or state requirements.
Fish Min. Length Fish Min. Length Fish Min. Length Fish Min. Length
Barracuda24”
Black Drum
24”
Blackfish18”
(Tripletail)
Bluefish14”
Blue Runner
12”
(Hard Tail)
Bonito20”
CatfishN/A
Cobia (Ling)
40”
CroakerN/A
Dolphin30”
Flounder14”
Gafftopsail16”
Gray Triggerfish 14”
Ground Mullet N/A
Grouper22”
(Black, Gag or Red)
Jack Crevalle
24”
(Cavalla)
King Mackerel 30”
Ladyfish14”
OysterfishN/A
PigfishN/A
PinfishN/A
Red Drum 16’’-26”
Red Snapper
16’’
Sea Robin
N/A
Sheepshead14”
SpadefishN/A
Spanish Mackerel18”
Speckled Trout 14”
Vermillion Snapper 12”
White Trout
12”
WhitingN/A
17. All participants must abide by all federal and state regulations.
18. The Master Angler Award will be determined by the combination of
points in the first, second and third place overall standings. See details in
Master angler Award prize information.
19. All fish entered, except those entered in the “Most Unusual Fish”
category may be retained by the angler. The ADSFR reserves the right
to hold all board fish for display purposes until official closing time of the
Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament at which time the fish must be
claimed or forfeited. All fish registered are subject to scientific evaluation
by conservation personnel on site.
20. All prizes not claimed at the Awards Ceremony on July 11, 2015 or
at the Jaycee office in Mobile, Alabama, by August 5, 2015 will become
property of the ADSFR.
21. The ADSFR President and Committee reserve the right to reschedule
the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament due to weather. No refund of
tickets will be made due to rescheduling.
22. Protests of any nature must be submitted in written statement form
and personally turned in to the ADSFR President or Rules Committee
Chairman no later than 6:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the official
weigh station.
23. Any matter not specifically covered by these rules may be decided by
and at the sole discretion of the ADSFR President and Rules Committee.
All decisions shall be final.
24. Those fish not held by the ADSFR must be reasonably disposed of by
the angler.
25. At the close of the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament, those
anglers who are in line at the weigh station, or identified by an ADSFR
official as being docked as the weigh station closes, will be allowed to
have their catch weighed and entered.
26. Ticket outlets are ticket sales representatives of the ADSFR and in no
way act as an agent for or on behalf of the ADSFR.
27. All rules interpretations shall come from ADSFR President or Rules
Committee Chairman. (Ticket outlets cannot give rule interpretations).
28. Information and/or rules in the ADSFR website are for informational
purposes only. The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament brochure shall
serve as the official rules.
29. Disclaimer: The ADSFR is not responsible for typos within
the awards package and rules, and reserves the right to amend or
substitute prizes due to events beyond the ADSFR’s control.
3
To be presented at the RMYAT Awards Ceremony
on Saturday, July 11, 2015.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m.
at The Rodeo Site, Dauphin Island, AL
Emcee for the RMYAT Awards Ceremony will be
Matt McCoy from 107.3 FM
FIRST PLACE
Tackle Bag • Trophy
A Momma Goldberg’s Deli $10 Gift Certificate
Spinning Rod Combo
Exploreum Pass
SECOND PLACE
Tackle Bag • Trophy
A Momma Goldberg’s Deli $10 Gift Certificate
Spinning Rod Combo
THIRD PLACE
Tackle Bag • Trophy
A Momma Goldberg’s Deli $10 Gift Certificate
Spinning Rod Combo
RMYAT MASTER ANGLER AWARD
This year’s RMYAT Master Angler will receive a trophy, a framed
ADSFR print, and a $500 savings bond from the ADSFR.
The Master Angler is the top angler who has scored the highest point
total during the RMYAT. Points will be awarded as follows:
• 1st Place in a Category
3 points
• 2nd Place in a Category
2 points
• 3rd Place in a Category
1 point
• Rodeo Record
0.25 points
In the event of a tie, the first fish entered that remains on the final board
will prevail.
ACADEMY SPORTS & OUTDOORS MOST UNUSUAL FISH
• 1st Place
$25 Gift Certificate
• 2nd Place
$25 Gift Certificate
• 3rd Place
$25 Gift Certificate
The 57th Angler to Weigh a fish will receive a $57 Gift
Card to Academy Sports and Outdoors.
REEFMAKER ARTIFICIAL REEFS
RANDOM DRAWING AWARD
An artificial reef will be named after and deployed for one Angler
selected through a random drawing of all anglers who weigh a legal fish
in the RMYAT.
BAILEY’S T.V., INC. RANDOM DRAWING AWARD
A Sony CD Player will be given away through a random drawing of all
anglers who weigh a legal fish in the RMYAT.
4
5
2014 ROY MARTIN YOUNG
ANGLERS TOURNAMENT RESULTS
2014 MASTER ANGLER - CONNOR SMITH
BARRACUDA
CROAKER
1. Christopher C. Spann. 24.08
1. Connor Smith . . . . . . . 1.44
2. Braxton Floyd . . . . . . 21.75
2. Jacob Doole. . . . . . . . . 1.37
3. Caroline C. Drago . . . 16.16
3. Colby Stafford . . . . . . . 1.34
BLACK DRUM
FLOUNDER
1. Stephen Farley. . . . . . 33.81
1. Devin L. Kittrell . . . . . . 3.11
2. Alison J. Pierce . . . . . 32.33
2. Cole Amderger. . . . . . . 3.00
3. Madison E. Fellow . . . 31.75
3. Hailey M. Walker. . . . . 2.87
BLACKFISH
GAFFTOPSAIL
1. Carson Collier . . . . . . 16.81
1. Cody A. Pierce. . . . . . . 6.65
2. Nicholas Catranis. . . . 15.65
2. Alison J. Pierce . . . . . . 6.14
3. Stephen V. Toomey Jr.. 9.31
3. Kaitlyn M. Pierce . . . . . 6.08
BLUE RUNNER
GROUND MULLET
1. Wyatt Phillips. . . . . . . . 4.34
1. Presli G. Turner. . . . . . 1.61
2. Connor Smith . . . . . . . 4.15
2. Natalie Santiago. . . . . . 1.32
3. Marilynn Eberly . . . . . . 3.70
3. Brandon Collier . . . . . . 1.22
BLUEFISH
JACK CREVALLE
1. Peyton Smith. . . . . . . . 1.81
1. Kayla McClantoc . . . . 31.42
2. Olivia Collir . . . . . . . . . 1.72
2. Blair Hanks . . . . . . . . 30.32
3. Reed Haycross. . . . . . . 1.72
3. David W. Esfeller . . . . 29.91
BONITA
KING MACKEREL
1. Connor Smith . . . . . . 12.94
1. Dylan Zavros . . . . . . . 42.79
2. Olivia Thompson . . . . 10.10
2. Jeffrey T. Schock. . . . 42.77
3. Kayla McClantoc . . . . . 9.67
3. Wyatt Phillips. . . . . . . 42.70
CATFISH
LADYFISH
1. William F. Jordan. . . . . 2.50
1. Lucas J. Nolan. . . . . . . 2.75
2. Ansley C. Collier . . . . . 2.42
2. Ethan G. Wheat. . . . . . 2.50
3. Cody A. Pierce. . . . . . . 2.41
3. Mike A. Martin. . . . . . . 2.36
COBIA
OYSTER FISH
1. Summer R. Purvis. . . . 46.56
1. Cameron Madison . . . . 1.08
2. Connor Smith . . . . . . 31.85
2. Jacob Durden. . . . . . . . 0.66
3. Devon M. Ardis . . . . . 28.35
3. Campbell Tillman. . . . . 0.62
6
2014 ROY MARTIN YOUNG
ANGLERS TOURNAMENT RESULTS
PIGFISH
SPECKLED TROUT
1. Jackson W. Delaney. . . 0.49
1. Anna-Kate Barton . . . . 5.46
2. Cameron Curtis . . . . . . 0.48
2. Lawson T. Markris . . . . 5.00
3. William S. Harrison. . . . 0.47
3. Lance Stringer. . . . . . . 4.67
PINFISH
VERMILLION
1. William Andrews. . . . . . 1.60
1. Randi Tillman. . . . . . . . 3.97
2. William H. Stoll . . . . . . 1.50
2. Connor Smith . . . . . . . 3.66
3. Kyle Hammond . . . . . . 1.38
3. Rachel Tillman. . . . . . . 3.60
RED DRUM
WHITE TROUT
1. Lance Stringer. . . . . . . 6.60
1. Connor Smith . . . . . . . 2.45
2. Hunter Peavy. . . . . . . . 6.60
2. Tyler Stafford. . . . . . . . 1.32
3. Andrew B. Carter. . . . . 6.25
3. William Andrews. . . . . . 1.20
RED GROUPER
WHITING
1. Isabell Jackson. . . . . . 14.11
1. Noah Harrell . . . . . . . . 1.38
2. Saylor King . . . . . . . . . 7.77
2. Madison Malanowicz. . . 0.91
3. Kenneth H. Fox. . . . . . 0.90
SEA ROBIN
1. Ann L. Dinkel . . . . . . . 0.19
MOST UNUSUAL
2. John Meyers . . . . . . . . 0.09
1. Kolten Berggren
SHEEPSHEAD
2. Joe Delaney
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Harvest Fish
1. Anna L. Manning. . . . . 8.14
2. Matthew Nicholas. . . . . 4.60
3. Ansley Mason
3. Andrew J. Shires . . . . . 4.51
SPADEFISH
1. Victory Courtney . . . . . 4.01
2. Claiborne Dumont . . . . 2.55
3. Austin Osburn . . . . . . . 2.45
SPANISH MACKEREL
1. William S. Alison . . . . . 4.56
2. Kayla McClantoc . . . . . 4.46
3. Jack Flynn. . . . . . . . . . 3.81
7
. . . . . . . . . . Spot Tail Pinfish
. . . . . . . . Atlantic Needlefish
8
Roy’s fishing future was determined in
April of 1952, when he landed a 49-pound,
15-ounce cobia on light casting tackle
and line testing 18 pounds. He hooked
the fish from the Panama City Beach Pier
and, during a two-hour battle, followed it
through the surf. A crowd had gathered by
the time he beached his prize and a little old
lady exclaimed, “Why, I’ll bet that’s a world
record!”
In 1953, Roy became the first elected
mayor of Panama City Beach. He served
seven two-year terms as mayor, leaving office in 1967. Two years
earlier, in 1965, he had entered the rental and restaurant business,
operating the Roy Martin Apartments and opening the Roy Martin
Restaurant. He sold those properties in 1973.
In 1954 and 1956 Roy was voted Florida’s outstanding fisherman.
Two magazines, Outdoors and Argosy, named him the 1960
saltwater fishing champion. In 1961, he won the International Tarpon
Invitational Tournament and in 1966 was recognized by the Phillip
Morris Company as the recipient of the Commander Cup designating
him the world’s greatest fisherman. Since then he has also been
honored as the world’s greatest fisherman by Schaefer’s Brewery,
Mercury Motors, and Outdoor Life magazine.
In the January 17, 1959 issue of the Saturday Evening Post, he was
described as the man who caught more record breaking fish than any
other fisherman.
In 1971 he received a Florida
Outdoors Writers Association award
for the outstanding outdoor radio
and television show of the year.
He has received numerous other
awards and citations.
Ever since Roy Martin was hired
as judge in 1950, the Alabama
Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo has been
making Angling history. Shark
records have risen from 95 pounds
to the 1981 record of 850 pound
shark caught by Earl White.
In 1983 a Record blue marlin
weighing 490 pounds and
measuring 12 feet, 4 inches was
brought in by John Arata.
The largest sailfish caught in the Gulf of Mexico was registered at
the A.D.S.F.R. by Robert Meador of Mobile. The sailfish weighed 81
pounds. Though quiet and unassuming, Martin was quick and firm in
his judgements about fish, and the unsporting soon knew better than to
try to fool with him. His abilities were tested almost yearly by fishermen
who had caught prize-winning fish before the opening gun was fired,
and those fishermen respected his decisions when their record catches
were turned down for being caught too soon or for being frozen.
The Mobile Jaycees would like to give a special
thanks to Dr. Bob Shipp, Dr. Sean Powers and Dr.
Will Patterson for their contributions to the R.M.Y.A.T.
9
10
251-471-3583
3441 Georgia Pacific Ave
Mobile, AL 36617
Special Event Trailers
Ice Boxes
Route Services
Dry Ice
FedEx Pack & Ship
Dry Ice
Shipped Direct to You
BAILEY’S TV INC.
3700 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL
251-666-0448
www.baileystvinc.com
[email protected]
S e r v i n g M o b i l e f o r o v e r 6 0 Ye a r s
TV , AUDIO & VIDEO
Outdoor TV Enclosure Cabinet Case
Indoor & Outdoor TV Cover For Any LCD, LED & Plasma TV
FURNITURE & HOME
®
Brian Bailey
President
Evan Bailey
Vice-President
11
12
Hank Aaron Stadium
Home of the Mobile BayBears
(251) 479-BEAR
www.mobilebaybears.com
13
THE ROY
MARTIN YOUNG
ANGLERS
AWARDS
CEREMONY WILL
BE HELD ON
THE RODEO
SITE AT 6:30 PM
FOLLOWING THE
CONCLUSION
OF THE
TOURNAMENT
JULY 11, 2015
14
BARRACUDA - GREAT BARRACUDA
Distinguishing Characteristics: These fish don’t play around. They have a mouth of razorsharp teeth and they can cut like a knife. If you are brave enough to pick one up and take
a look at the fella, you will see inky-black dots along the fishes flank, and a lot more along
the lower, rear of the fish. But be careful, cause the long slippery fish can still hurt you even
while appearing to be dead.
Range & Abundance: These fish like warm tropical areas, and can be found just about
anywhere that is warm.
Size: With a potential length of 6+ feet. the Barracuda is another fish that can get really big.
Habits: These fish don’t mess around; they are considered one of the waters deadliest
predators. They move like a jet plane and have a set of teeth that can make a surgical cut.
even better then your doctor.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Don’t call home and tell Momma anything if you catch one of
these, cause she is sure to make you come home.
BLACK DRUM
Distinguishing Characteristics: You’ll know you got a Black Drum when you pull the
critter up and he has these great big fleshy, dangling chin barbells. Just look at his underjaw
area and you will see them.
Range & Abundance: These fish hang around the Northern Gulf area.
Size: You know you got a big one at 70 lbs. but normally they weigh about 30-40 lbs.
Habits: The ole Black Drum sure enjoys eating off the bottom of the ocean, and they ain’t
too picky about what they eat either.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Even though this fella might be ugly, don’t throw this one
back cause they sure make for some good vittles!
BLACKFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: These fish are flat, with an unusual arrangement of the
back fins. Take a look at the picture and you will see what I mean. Their eyes are very near
the front of their jaw, which makes them look like they have a tiny head.
Range & Abundance: These fish like to swim around where it is warm. I would not expect
to find them at the North Pole. They enjoy both deep and shallow water.
Size: A 20 pounder would be a very nice sized Blackfish.
Habits: Aside from its slow movement and lazy attitude, they usually like to drift along
with the currents where they hope to stumble upon a food source and will then cruise
along after it.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: You catch one of these fish, let me know and I will take him
off your hands for ya, cause they sure are good to eat.
15
BLUEFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: Bluefish are silvery on their lower side and have a greenish
blue back. They like to bite so don’t go sticking your fingers in their mouth.
Range & Abundance: These fish like temperate and subtropical areas.
Size: These fish vary greatly in size depending on where you are fishing. For example, in the
Gulf of Mexico a good-sized Bluefish would be 5 lbs. However, in other places around the
world, the Bluefish can get up to 10+lbs. So, if ya bring in a 10 pounder, I hope you have a
lot of gas to make it back to the weigh station.
Habits: These fish like to hang around with one another. Usually you will find Bluefish in
schools (not the schools that you go to learn in, but the type where a large group of the same
species stay together to look out for one another).
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Like I said at the beginning of the write-up, don’t go sticking
your fingers in their mouth cause they sure like to bite ... that is why I am typing with only
9 fingers instead of 10.
BLUE RUNNER
Distinguishing Characteristics: This fella is part of the Jack family that I was talking about
before. You will know you got a Bluerunner by looking at the back part of the fish’s body
and discovering about 50 enlarged scales. But look out cause their fins sure are pointy and
hurt when they poke ya.
Range & Abundance: This fish usually cruises around the Western Atlantic, from Nova
Scotia to mid Brazil.
Size: Unlike the Amberjack, the Bluerunner does not get very big (12 - 14 inches). But like
all Jacks, the Bluerunner sure is strong for his size.
Habits: Like the Bluefish, the Bluerunner likes to hang out in schools. By schooling, the
Bluerunner makes its dinner attack much more efficient and easier.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: If you folks like to fish deep, save these little guys for them
cause they sure make good Tuna bait. The Tuna call these fellas Hardtail specials.
BONITO - LITTLE TUNNY
Distinguishing Characteristics: This lad gets its name for being small in comparison to
the Tuna family. Once you reel in one of these sea torpedoes, you will know you have a
Bonito by the dark spots below the pectoral fin. Also, you will notice on their dark blue
back, there is a series of wave branching strips extending backward from about the middle
of the first dorsal fin.
Range &Abundance: This is another fella that likes the warm waters. Only time you will see
one of these in Greenland is in the cat food cause these little guys don’t like the cold water.
Size: They hit their peak at about 20 lbs.
Habits: They like to swim around a lot with their buddies (they school), You can hook up
on one of these bullets (you know what I mean by bullet if you have ever caught one) in
both shallow and deep waters.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty! Grandpa don’t care too much for
eating them, but my cat sure does.
16
CATFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: These ladies are pretty easy to spot. Look for the long
whiskers and flat head. However, it is different from the Gafftopsail Catfish in that its dorsal
fin is not as tall.
Range & Abundance: These fellas are everywhere from North Carolina down around to
Mexico. Sometimes they are so thick that you can’t even put your bait in the water before
one of them comes up and takes it from ya.
Size: These fellas normally stay under a pound and a half and not much longer then a foot.
Just the right size for frying-up.
Habits: These fish hang around sandy and muddy bottoms waiting for just about anything
to come by to eat. They are not picky and can sure make for some fun fishing when nothing
else is biting.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Don’t you go and try to step on one of these to get the hook
out of its mouth, cause those dorsal fins are pretty strong and can even go straight through
the bottom of your shoes!
COBIA (AKA: LING)
Distinguishing Characteristics: Well, the Cobia can be spotted by their dark brown body,
and the two silvery-white streaks that go down its side.
Range &Abundance: When these guys come to town, you know it! They travel (migrate)
to the Gulf and arrive around April-May. They usually hang around for several months and
then go back south.
Size: You catch a 100 pounder then you will have yourself one very nice size Cobia. Typically
these fellas weigh about 30-40 lbs.
Habits: As I told you whippersnappers before, these fellas move around from place to place
depending on the temperature.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Don’t you go thinking that you caught a Cobia just cause you
got him in the boat, cause they will fight more in the boat then in the water… If you are in
a small boat, make sure you have a boat repair kit…
CROAKER
Distinguishing Characteristics: You wanna know if ya have a Croaker, just pull the little
fella out of the water and see if he makes a loud croaking noise. If so, chances are, you got
yourself a genuine Croaker. However, look out for those gills cause they can be real sharp.
Range & Abundance: Just as abundant as the ole Catfish, the Croaker can be found in just
about every nook and cranny from Massachusetts to Argentina.
Size: These little fish only get about a foot in size and not much more than a pound in
weight.
Habits: Aside from always taking ole Grandpa’s bait, these little rascals like to feed off the
bottom and use their sensory-rich chin whiskers to locate food items.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Put one of these on a hook and go out to Dixie Bar if you
want a real fight (you Bull Redfish fans know what I am taking about).
17
DOLPHIN
Distinguishing Characteristics: Ain’t a prettier fish in the sea. Aside from it’s thin and
rainbow appearance, they have a flat shaped head and a long dorsal fin that extends from
its head to its tail.
Range & Abundance: They can be found from Tropical to Subtropical areas. However, they
usually are found in deeper waters within weed lines.
Size: A common size Dolphin is about three feet in length but can reach up to six feet.
Habits: These fellas like shade, so they prefer swimming under floating objects. They will
typically be in a school and will follow a fellow Dolphin friend if you leave one on the line
in the water. This will give you a chance to catch a whole lot more of them.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: These fish are no good to eat, just call ole Grandpa and I will
come by and dispose of it for you. Just being sarcastic on this one. Nothing beats a good
ole Dolphin!
FLOUNDER
Distinguishing Characteristics: Talk about your odd looking fish. This guy has both eyes
on one side of his head. Aside from the Flounder’s flat and round shape, they also carry a
mean set of teeth. They will usually have spots on the topside, and on the bottom, it will
almost be a snow-white color.
Range & Abundance: There are plenty of these good tasting fellas in the Gulf of Mexico,
also from North Carolina to Florida.
Size: Catching a five pounder ain’t too shabby.
Habits: They sure do like looking up instead of down. They prefer to hang around the
bottom and wait for a passing Tiger Minnow for dinner.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: This is another fish that you don’t want to go sticking your
fingers in its mouth. cause it can sure do a number on ya.
GAFFTOPSAIL CATFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: If ya look at the pictures, you will see that its dorsal fin
sticks way up and almost like a sail from a sail boat. Also, these fellas have the same features
as the catfish mentioned before, long whiskers and a flat head.
Range & Abundance: You will find these guys from the Carolinas to Brazil.
Size: A two footer ain’t nothing 10 complain about.
Habits: Swimming around in deep channels waiting to pounce on anything that resembles
food.
Grandpa Poppy’s Comments: Once ole Grandpa brought his old Tomcat fishing with him,
and that old Tom started a meowing like there wasn’t gonna be a tomorrow, and before I
knew it, three Gafftopsail Catfish jumped right on in the boat with ole’ Tom.
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GRAY TRIGGERFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: Now this is one neat fellow. The Triggerfish has three stiff
dorsal spines, a single pelvic spine and one heck of a tough hide. They call this fish the
Triggerfish on account of its unique retractable and lockable dorsal fin. Get a fellow fisher
to show you how it works.
Range & Abundance: Aside from being very abundant, the Triggerfish has been caught all
the way up in Canada down to Argentina.
Size: Much bigger than a foot long and you got yourself a whopper!
Habits: These fish are equipped with teeth designed to cruch the shells of the most
heavily armored sea creatures. Combine that with the leathery protective skin makes the
Triggerfish nearly immune to becoming another fish’s lunch.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Not everyone knows this, but Triggerfish is a super tasting
fish.
GROUND MULLET
Distinguishing Characteristics: It is a brownish fella often with wide but vague oblique
bars along its back.
Range & Abundance: This fella is quite abundant wherever you find warm waters and
sandy bottoms.
Size: This fish ain’t getting much bigger then a foot.
Habits: Talk about your worthless, do-nothing fish. This guy just hangs around the bottom
waiting for a worm or shell fish to just jump on in his mouth.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: This fella might serve some purpose besides being bait, but
ole Grandpa Pappy ain’t figured it out yet.
GROUPER (BLACK, RED OR GAG)
Distinguishing Characteristics: Typically gray.
Range & Abundance: All over the Gulf of Mexico, typically found in deeper waters.
Size: Different species of Grouper have been known to get over 300 lbs. (Warsaw).
Habits: They enjoy lounging around structures on the bottom or where shelter is easily
taken.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: They enjoy being rolled in a fine Creole seasoned batter and
fried in oil for about 10 minutes.
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JACK CREVALLE
Distinguishing Characteristics: Man ole man, talk about a back breaker of a fish. Aside
from the uncontrollable back muscle-spasms and pain, you know you got a Crevalle by the
black spot at the lower base of the pectoral fin.
Range & Abundance: Just about anywhere, you will be able to find these beasts.
Size: The average size for these guys is 15-20 lbs. (I call these “Mild back dislocation” sizes).
However, it is not uncommon for them to reach the “complete back surgery” size of 35-40
lbs.
Habits: Aside from putting ole Grandpa Pappy in this wheelchair, they also enjoy bringing
devastating terror to forage species like Menhaden and Scaled Sardines.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Ain’t too good to eat and nothing but painful to catch. The
way ole Grandpa Pappy looks at it is you got to be the vegetarian clone of Lou Forigno
(lncredible Hulk) to wanna try and catch these guys.
KING MACKEREL
Distinguishing Characteristics: Now this is one mean, lean, fighting machine. It is easily
separated from the Spanish Mackerel by size. The King, as the name implies, is much bigger.
Range &Abundance: From Massachusetts to Brazil, you will find this fella cruising during
the warmer months.
Size: The 60-pound King is not an impossible feat, regardless of what you folks might say
during Rodeo weekend. There are plenty that are this size and can get up to 70-80 lbs.
Habits: Besides destroying 30-60 lb leaders, they terrorize the waters with their stealth and
razor-sharp teeth.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: If that ole boy starts to running with the bait, lay off the drag,
take the Rig Hook off, put it in reverse and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
LADY FISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: This Lean, thin, shiny fish, also known as the “Skipjack,”
loves to cause a smelly commotion once you get her in the boat. So, if one does get in the
boat, look out, cause you might need to change shirts once it is over.
Range & Abundance: You can find these “mess causing” friends from Massachusetts to
Brazil.
Size: Before you get one of these in the boat, they can weigh over 2 lbs. However, once in the
boat they can very quickly shed a quarter of a pound or so.
Habits: Very swift and packing in large numbers, these ladies can pack a punch on a school
of bait fish. Hanging around near shore and in shallow water, these gals can sure do some
damage.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Don’t let these ladies in the boat. They may look pretty, but
they can sure cause a mess!
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OYSTERFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: Man ole man, if something real ugly is hanging on your
hook, chances are you caught an Oysterfish. They have what is referred to as “ feet fins,”
which are modified pelvic fins behind the chin but if you ask ole Grandpa, the best way to
determine if you have an Oyster fish is if you question what you have, and think it might
be a creature from another planet then you know you have an Oyster fish.
Range & Abundance: It is mostly found in the Caribbean and Eastern Gulf.
Size: Thank goodness these guys only get to be around 10 inches long; otherwise, I would
stop swimming in the gulf.
Habits: Apart from avoiding mirrors, the Oyster fish relies on camouflage for protection.
The camounage is also a great feature that allows the Oyster fish to hunt for food without
detection.
Grandpa Poppy’s Comments: Ole boy, where to start on this one? I’ ll make it short. If you
catch one of these unique critters, do ole Grandpa a favor and drive your boat near Mexico
and let it go there. Grandpa will sleep much better knowing this.
PIGFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: The Pigfish, as with most grunt fish, has two pores and a
median groove on the underside of the chin. Also, look closely at the body or trunk scales
and you will see that each of these has a distinct blue center, and a bronze spot on the edge.
Range & Abundance: These little critters are high in abundance and range from New Jersey
to Florida, and from the Gulf to the Yucatan.
Size: They can get to about a foot in size.
Grandpa Poppy’s Comments: lf you get a small one, you might want to try for the Bull
Redfish at the Pier.
PINFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: These guys have a silvery body and some vague blush and
yellowish stripes. They also have yellowish fins that like to poke Grandpa. Keep your fingers
away from the dorsal fin cause it can sure hurt.
Range & Abundance: These can be caught from the Gulf to the mid Atlantic.
Size: Very seldom does this guy get larger then a foot.
Habits: Aside from causing Grandpa excruciating pain when Grandpa grabs the back
dorsal fin, this fella likes to hang out near pier pilings and near shore.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Grandpa forgot if he told you, but don’t grab their back dorsal
fin.
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RED DRUM
Distinguishing Characteristics: It is a dark red color on the back, that fades to their white
belly. The most distinguishing mark is the black spot on the upper part of the tail.
Range & Abundance: This fella occurs naturally in the southern Atlantic and the Gulf of
Mexico.
Size: Although the largest recorded Red Drum is over 94 lbs. A 3 year old drum is typically
6-8 lbs.
Habits: ln the summer and fall, adult red drum feed on crabs, shrimp, and sand dollar in the
spring and winter, adults primarily feed on menhaden, mullet, pinfish, sea robin, lizardfish,
spot, Atlantic croaker and flounder.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Both younger mature red drum (3-6 years of age) and Bull
Drum prefer rocky outcroppings including jetties and manmade structures, such as oil rigs
and bridge posts.
RED SNAPPER
Distinguishing Characteristics: Well, it is red and looks like a huge Gold fish that got a
sunburn.
Range & Abundance: The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most abundant areas for this fine
fellow to hang around.
Size: Red Snappers get pretty big, averaging around 18 lbs. However, whopper size
(anything over 28lbs) is not uncommon.
Habits: They enjoy being rolled in a fine Creole seasoned batter and fried in oil for about
10 minutes. They also enjoy lounging around a structure on the bottom or where shelter
is easily taken.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Umnunmnun, Snapper.
SEA ROBIN
Distinguishing Characteristics: These fellas look like they could fly on account of their
enlarged colorful pectoral fins.
Range & Abundance: Pretty good chance of catching one of these from the Carolinas down
around the Gulf of Mexico.
Size: Anything larger than a foot and you got yourself a large Sea Robin.
Habits: These critters are very docile with very strong armor that defends them from
predators.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Can’t see eating one of these little fellows but they sure are
neat to look at.
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SHEEPSHEAD
Distinguishing Characteristics: This fish has several gray-black bars on the side of the
body. Also, with the help of an adult fisher, have them show you their teeth. You will see
that most of them are flat and used for grinding, not slicing like the King Mackerel.
Range & Abundance: These are abundant from Nova Scotia through the Gulf of Mexico.
Size: These fellas can get up to 3-4 lbs.
Habits: Being quick and undetectable while taking the bait off my line. Also, they enjoy
brackish waters around pilings.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: To catch the Sheepshead, one must think like the Sheepshead.
You got to pull that line before you feel the hit, or you can kiss that live shrimp good-bye. No
one said it was going to be easy, did they?
SPADEFISH
Distinguishing Characteristics: This fella is a flat, silvery fish, usually with 4-5 striking
black, irregular bars on his flank.
Range & Abundance: You can catch this fish just about anywhere from New England to the
Gulf, and there are plenty of them to go around.
Size: A big one would be around 10 lbs. but normally you will find them in the 4-5 lbs.
range.
Habits: Swimming around in big schools and very curious to what is going on around
them.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: If you are out fishing in the deep waters and nothing is biting,
but that school of Spadefish continues to hang around the boat, switch to a smaller hook
and try a piece of peeled dead shrimp. You might just get lucky and have a hoot catching
them on light tackle.
SPANISH MACKEREL
Distinguishing Characteristics: Don’t get these fish mixed up with the King. Spanish
Mackerel have yellow to bronze spots and a gently arched lateral fin, not one which dips
sharply at the level of the soft dorsel like the King Mackerel.
Range & Abundance: These guys are all over the Gulf.
Size: Even though these are considered a small member of the Mackerel, they can still clip
the 7 lbs. mark often.
Habits: Ruining Grandpa’s fishing rigs every weekend except for the Alabama Deep Sea
Fishing Rodeo weekend. They also run in large schools and will hit just about anything
shiny.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: If you don’t like CATCHING these guys, I would suggest
not using swivels, cause they can sure cut your leader rigs off and make things down right
frustrating for ya.
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SPECKLED TROUT
Distinguishing Characteristics: These spotted little fellas can drive a fisherman bonkers!
They have very formidable fangs on the front of the upper jaw with black spots running
down its back.
Range & Abundance: You can catch these elusive fish from Southern New England all the
way down around the Gulf of Mexico.
Size: Now this is a fish that varies greatly in size depending on where you are fishing.
However, an average size would be about 3-5 lbs.
Habits: Other than not hanging around in the same place twice, they usually travel in
schools and feed on other smaller fish.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: Best advice ole Grandpa can give you on this fella is to write
down every time you catch one, include the time, tidal changes, water temperature and
what you ate for breakfast that morning, cause every little thing will help.
VERMILION SNAPPER
WHITE TROUT
Distinguishing Characteristics: Like our friend the Speckled Trout, the White Trout has
two big fangs in the front of the upper jaw. However, this fella is much more silvery-white
then the Speckled Trout.
Range & Abundance: Best place to catch these fellas is in the Northern Gulf.
Size: You catch one of these fish that exceeds a foot, that is a great catch.
Habits: Aside from running off my favorite friend the Speckled Trout. these guys like to
travel in schools near sandy and muddy bottoms.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: These fish deep-fry just as good as The Speckled Trout, but be
careful cause their meat gets soft and mushy if you freeze them.
WHITING
Distinguishing Characteristics: A good way to tell if you have caught a Whiting is to look
for the single war-like barbell on the middle of the chin and the single anal spine.
Range & Abundance: These little critters can be caught from the Chesapeake Bay south to
Brazil, but only along the mainland coast. They are very abundant and are typically plentiful
if surf-fishing.
Size: Depending on where you are wetting the line, these fish can reach up to 4 lbs.
Habits: Swimming in schools and liking for his-favorite meal, Sand Fleas. Nothing beats a
good ole helping of Sand Fleas. There umm, umm good.
Grandpa Pappy’s Comments: You get one of these with some size to him, he will sure make
a good pan-fried fillet.
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the
road
to
victory is a thirsty one
©2006 The Coca-Cola Company
*Coca-Cola and the Contour Bottle are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
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Proud Supporters of the 80th Annual
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Proud Sponsor of the
57TH Annual
Roy Martin Young
Anglers Tournament
Good Luck Anglers!!!
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