The Galveston Bay Foundation hosted the inaugural Ladies Casting for Conservation Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 27th. “This is the first time we have sponsored a fishing tournament,” said Bob Stokes, president of Galveston Bay Foundation. Bolivar resident Debby Ward came up with the idea, and teamed up with the foundation to organize, advertise and coordinate this tournament. Twenty-two teams entered, accounting for over 60 registered anglers. Each team consisted of three ladies, participating in either the Guided or Non-Guided category. There were some Reel Catchy team names like The YaYa’s, Reel Hookers, Backlash Baybes, Reel Speck Tackler, Angler Angels, Mother & Fish Reunion, DeBait Team, Whiskey Tango Bayters, 50 Shades of Bay, Real Lucky Ladies, Fishing Femmes and Salt Water Gypsies.

Most teams left the dock at the 6 am starting time, and by 2pm, the first teams began pulling up to Stingaree Marina with their catch. Tired, but very excited, they lined up at the weigh-in table as their results were recorded on the leader boards. Prizes were awarded for Heaviest Team Stringers (three trout), and Heaviest Trout, Redfish & Flounder. 50 Shades of Bay took First Place in the Guided category with a stringer weight of 10.60 pounds. The Salt Water Gypsies won first in the Non-Guided category with a 7.40 pound stringer. Congratulations to all participants.

Special acknowledgment to Reel Hookers who brought in over $5,200 in sponsorship dollars, all collected in less than 1 week. As top sponsorship producers, they were awarded an Offshore Fishing Trip and a pair of $250 binoculars.

The Galveston Bay Foundation was founded in 1987, it’s mission to preserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of Galveston Bay and its tributaries. Interesting statistics: roughly 50% of Texas’ recreational fishing is done in Galveston Bay and an estimated 75% of North America’s bird species spend time in our bay region.

Trout Stringer, Guided:
1st Place – 50 Shades of Bay
2nd Place – Backlash Baybes
3rd Place – Fishing Femmes

Trout Stringer, Non-guided:
1st Place – Salt Water Gypsies
2nd Place – Reel Lucky Ladies
3rd Place – Saltwater Cowboy

Biggest Trout – Angela Klausner from Nashville, TN
Biggest Flounder – Patti Strimple Gilmore of Bolivar

First Place Guided, 50 Shades of Bay

Second Place Guided, Backlash Baybes

Third Place Guided, Fishing Femmes

First Place Non-Guided, Salt Water Gypsies

Second Place Non-Guided, Reel Lucky Ladies

Third Place Non-Guided, Salt Water Cowboys Fishing Honies

Largest Trout, Angela Klausner from Nashville, TN; award presented by Bob Stokes

Biggest Flounder award goes to Bolivar's own Patti Strimple Gilmore

Reel Hookers took the Top Sponsorship prize, (L to R) Judi Plaia, Bob Stokes, Susan Johnson, Julie Radley

Debby Ward accepting a special gift from GBF in appreciation for all her hard work in organizing the tournament.

A rare Triple Tail caught by Melissa Gallien

Backlash Baybes showing off their catch.

A great team of sponsors signed up to support this worthy cause

Galveston Bay Foundation welcoming committee

Whiskey Tango Bayters Robin Newburn, Tina Busceme, and Charlotte Stirling, with their guide Michael "Mo" Newburn

Arriving for the weigh-in at Stingaree Marina

Great catch, a "Slam"