The team at Stinky’s Bait Shack has tallied the results of the 9th Annual Beach to Bay Grand Slam Fishing Tournament. The tournament registered more participants this year than ever – ranging from recreational fisher folks to professionals – locals and visitors alike. The tournament spanned over the course of four weeks.
The purse for the annual tournament was over $4500 in cash and prizes. All winners are invited to pick up their prizes at Stinky’s Bait Shack during normal operating hours. “We love hosting our two annual fishing tournaments for locals and visitors. It’s endearing to see returning and new participants compete for the championship title – year after year, ” said Chef Jim Richard, tournament originator and Stinky’s owner. “It enriches our lives,” said Richard.
In the Beach to Bay Grand Slam Fishing Tournament, the aggregate weight of three fish caught determines the winner. Catching trout, flounder and redfish is a challenging combination. Local broker and owner of Mainsail Realty Company, Clayton Bonjean, took the tournament championship title this year. “This tournament made me a better fisherman because I had to change the way I fish to catch a flounder,” said Bonjean. Making the catch a little more challenging, the season for flounder ended earlier than the closing of the tournament. Also, there were more fishing restrictions than in the tournament’s history.
“I hooked a bigger flounder but it took a look at me, flipped the bird and it took off,” said Bonjean, laughing at his luck. Bonjean only fishes with artificial bait. His dad, Spence Bonjean, taught him the value of artificial bait. “My dad showed me how to fish top water for trout and redfish. You create a top water blow up that makes the experience addictive,” said Bonjean. While Bonjean doesn’t mind sharing the bait he used (Heddon Saltwater Super Spook), he won’t give up his fishing spots! “I wake up before dawn to go fishing. It is a time of day where my real estate clients aren’t calling and it doesn’t interfere with my family time. It’s a peaceful start of my day and it is the best time for fishing,” says Bonjean.
The 2022 Beach to Bay Grand Slam Tournament Winners:
Tournament Grand Slam Winner
Clayton Bonjean
1st Place Redfish, Scott Risher – 6.5 lbs. | 26.75”
2nd Place Redfish, Blake Hunter – 6.26 lbs. | 26.25”
3rd Place Redfish, Justin Jones – 6.06 lbs. | 26.75”
1st Place Trout, Sid Little – 3.63 lbs. | 23.75”
2nd Place Trout, Scott Risher – 2.99 lbs. | 21”
3rd Place Trout, Clayton Bonjean – 2.57 lbs. | 20.75”
1st Place Flounder, Clayton Bonjean – 1.54 lbs. | 15.34”
2nd Place Flounder, Marcus Montez – 1.01lbs. | 14”
Calcutta Categories:
Whiting, Jeff Bryan – 1.63 lbs. | 17.25
Pompano, Jeff Bryan – 2.44 lbs. | 15”
If you missed out on the Beach to Bay Grand Slam Tournament, be sure to mark your calendar for the next one. Also, join us for the 13th Annual Pompano Tournament in the spring. The tournament registrations will be announced in March 2023. You can follow Stinky’s Bait Shack on Instagram @stinkysbaitshop and Facebook @stinkysbaitshack and visit their website at www.stinkysbaitshop.com.
For more information about the Beach to Bay Grand Slam Tournament, please contact Lori at Stinky’s Bait Shack, (850) 622-2248. Hours of operation daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Author: SWal Life
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