1985.  It has expanded to seven fish categories paying thirty-nine places.  While lots of people fished for the big one, only eight Red Drum measurement sheets were submitted.  The winning Red Drum was caught and released by Mike Matthews at 11:55 PM Thursday night at Drum Inlet.

     The “posse” weighed four “Wanted Poster” slot-size Puppy Drum sponsored by John Hefner Plumbing  Matthews, NC, Eric Hefner Plumbing  Charlotte, NC and Daniel B.Hefner Plumbing  Charlotte, NC.  They ranged from 5.15 to 2.55 pounds.  The Davis Island Sheriff was pleased the fish were captured, noting that experience counts in this category.

     Bluefish were prevalent in the surf all week.  Thirty-nine Blues were recorded from 2.70 to .95 pounds.  Thirty-eight Pompano were recorded from 1.80 to .20 pounds.  Fifteen Black Drum were recorded from 2.65 to .30 pounds.  The six Black Drum winners were tightly bunched within .45 pounds of each other.  Fred Blevin’s 2.40 pounder was so fresh; it was still biting at bait on the weighing scales.

     Thirty-five Whiting were recorded from 2.10 to 0.10 pounds.  Two were outstanding.  Lanier Mitchum caught his monster 2.10 pound Whiting near Drum Inlet.  It earned him the Tournament Director’s Special Recognition Prize, a Rapalla knife and scale donated by Bing Michael.  Annette is interested in seeing photos of Lanier’s champion fish.  Charlie Sutphin weighed his 0.10 pound Whiting just one minute before tournament ending at noon on Saturday. 

     Twenty-one Flounder were recorded from 4.80 to .95 pounds.  First place winner Larry Parham received an additional prize for his big black flounder, a rod and reel donated by Yadkin County fishermen in memory of tournament entrant Tom Powell of East Bend. Tom passed away a few weeks before the tournament.  Several lucky anglers weighed two or three door-mats to determine the

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heaviest.  Perennial flounder winner Bob Thompson is still talking about the big one that got away. 

     Alton’s Barbeque of Goldsboro, NC provided a delicious Saturday lunch. Jim Gaither and Helen Wynberry presented numerous door prizes.  William Flinchum of Clemmons NC won the Honda 1000 generator, donated by H&S Roofing.  The tournament concluded with tournament winner presentations and photos.  The 2004 tournament was a big success thanks to the following people: AWFC staff, B. K. Barringer, Jack Davis, Tim Doss, Jack Dunaway, Tom Dunaway, Jeff Ferrence (NCDMF), Jim Gaither, Rich Lambert, Mike Laughlin, Mike McGee (NPS, CALO), Scott Mosley, Lee Paramore (NCDMF), Bill Stiles, Alvin Tans, Bob Vogel (NPS, CALO), Adam White, Roger Wise, Lynn Winstead (NPS, CALO) and Helen Wynnberry. 

     Plans are underway for the 2005 tournament.  No major changes are anticipated at this time.  Final rules and entry forms will be available at the annual membership meeting.  Contact Jim Gaither or Helen Wynnberry if you know of interested sponsors.  Check out our current and past sponsors at www.diffclub.com and support them with your business. 

     If you have never attended the DIFF tournament, you are missing a fun event for both the novice and veteran.  It is a great opportunity to exchange fishing tales and make new friends!                                     Mark Weir

 

 

Weighing in