-
|
|
Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge 2012 Wrap Up
source: http://www.examiner.com/article/crowds-enjoy-festivities-at-guy-harvey-u...
After a weekend of delivering fun times on and off the water, the 3rd annual Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge wrapped up Sunday afternoon, May 6. Blessed by near perfect weather, the three day festival contained no shortage of merriment (and cold refreshments) for those visiting the bustling Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda.
From a screening under the stars of the famed film "Jaws" to a rocking concert by Tayzer, there was no shortage of diverse entertainment for those checking out what has become one of the top events in Southwest Florida. Family friendly attractions, including a shark tooth fossil hunt, face painting by a mermaid, fishing seminars, and the Mote Marine mobile aquarium, further proved very popular with the crowd.
However, as with any fishing tournament, the true glamour derived from the exploits of anglers battling the elements on the water. Over the course of two days, 15 teams spent a total of 18 hours searching Charlotte Harbor for sharks. While some ventured off-shore, most of the action occurred in the areas of Boca Grande Pass, Pine Island Sound, and Turtle Bay.
As competition began on Saturday morning, the first shark successfully caught, tagged, and released was a 9 foot bull shark by Team Luigi's Pizza. Consistent with the tournament's emphasis on conservation, each of the many specimens landed were treated in a similar manner. By the end of Saturday, the first-time entrant of Team Wounded Warriors 2 enjoyed the honors of sitting atop the field.
Yet, much fishing remained during a hot Sunday afternoon and 3 teams made a bold charge up the leaderboard. When the action concluded and boats arrived back at Laishley Marina by 4:00pm, Team Mudslinger was recognized as the winner of this year's Ultimate Shark Challenge.
The always dangerous Team Pole Dancer finished in 2nd Place for the second conscecutive year.
The triumphant team of Capt. Brandon Naeve and Capt. Tom Reutter gleefully accepted the winning trophy and large check. Naeve is a charter captain from Boca Grande and ironically specializes in inshore fishing on light tackle. He certainly displayed versatility in his mastery of sharks.
For the second consecutive year, 2010 champion Team Pole Dancer of Sarasota finished runner-up with a solid weekend of fishing. Meanwhile, Pine Island's Team Lunatic Fringe claimed 3rd place in a very competitive field.
This year's Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge was a resounding success and continued the growing legacy of the festival here in Southwest Florida. While Mr. Harvey's schedule did not permit a personal appearance, his company was well represented. Its screening of "This Is Your Ocean: Sharks" on Friday night certainly portrayed the artist's passion for conservation of these important predators.
As leaders in goal of merging competitive fishing with environmental preservation, Brooks and Sean Paxton, better known as "The Shark Brothers," put substantial effort into ensuring the event proceeded smoothly. With support from numerous local sponsors, this year's version indeed appeared "bigger and better" and Punta Gorda attendees expressed their appreciation.
In a final note of positive news, shark lovers need not wait an entire year for the next taste of the Ultimate Shark Challenge. Camera crews from the Discovery Channel documented the festival for future use during the network's legendary "Shark Week," which is scheduled to air in early August. Not only were highlights recorded at Laishley Park, but cameras were present to capture sharks providing the real action on the water.
Be sure to check the Photo Gallery for a look at some of the highlights of the 3rd annual Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge.
-
|
|
Comments