FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. (March 22, 2016) – Thaddeus Day of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, scored a convincing, 58.75-inch two fish total to win 2016’s first IFA Kayak Tour Florida East Division event.
It was the Hobie® Fishing Team member’s first time fishing the Jacksonville area and only his second IFA Kayak Tournament. What a day in his 2016 Hobie Mirage® Pro Angler 14! He won on the strength of a tremendous 41.5-inch redfish. His sea trout was “nothing special” at 17.25 inches.
Day said the water was dirty, as expected. He caught the big red while bouncing a jig on ledges.
“It has been a dream, and it was certainly an honor, to be able to share the stage with the rest of the winners. I was in shock for the first little bit, but the long drive home helped reality to kick in. Blown away at the outcome of this event,” he said.
Day collected $1,500 for the win and an extra $100 for big redfish.
Matt Embree of Jacksonville, Florida, coasted into second place with 54.75 inches, paced by a 35.75-inch redfish. He caught it while jigging a 6-inch Gulp Swimming Mullet. Embree said he lost two larger reds, but overall he enjoyed a beautiful day on the water.
Bob Powell of St. Augustine, Florida, finished third with 52.5 inches. Powell said it was a tough day of fishing, but hard work produced good results.
The next stop for the IFA Kayak Tour is April 3 at Aransas Pass, the kickoff for the Texas division. Anglers who enter a minimum of two events and compete in at least one event will be qualified for the 2016 IFA Kayak Tour championship.
