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The 12th annual North Carolina Beach Buggy Association Red Drum Tournament was held on the beaches of Hatteras Island from Ramps 23 to 38 on Wednesday, Oct. 20 through Saturday, Oct. 23.

Some 369 anglers enjoyed excellent weather but challenging fishing conditions. The full moon is spectacular on the beach, but unfortunately does nothing for catching fish. The predominantly west winds are not known for producing great catches on east-facing beaches.

Despite the difficult fishing conditions, individual anglers and teams enjoyed the opportunity to fish 60 continuous hours on the “Goodliest Beaches on Earth.”

The tourney kicked off with a first-time drive through registration, at the parking lot of the Koru Beach Klub adjacent to the Avon Pier. The drive-through proved to be very efficient and popular with registrants. Joe Thompson allowed the association to use the parking lot as well as the venue itself for the afternoon banquet Saturday. The delicious food was provided by Sharky’s BBQ and Seafood Catering.

Tommy Farmer of Carolina Cast Pro and Ryan White of Hatteras Jack provided demonstrations on Wednesday morning at ramp 34. Tommy did his casting technique program while Ryan talked about reading the beach and alternative techniques.

Drive-through pre-registered anglers continued signing in at the parking lot until 6:30 p.m., after which all walk-in and pre-registered anglers were directed to Frank and Fran’s Tackle Shop, which for the 22nd year or more, once again served as tournament headquarters.

After getting angler packets and/or judge packets, most participants headed directly to the beach to stake out locations, prep their gear and prepare for the midnight start of the tournament.

The challenging conditions resulted in 27 total drum caught, measured and safely released as well as 13 each sea mullet and bluefish making the required minimum lengths for scoring.

Although only some fortunate anglers took home prizes, all were considered winners. The venues ranging from the beaches to the banquet held at the Koru Beach Klub were spectacular, the comradery among team and individual anglers and the family friendly atmosphere all contributed to an awesome time for participants.

Thanks to tournament director Bill King and his Red Drum Tournament Committee and the many volunteers who worked hard during months of preparation and throughout the tournament; George Mood, head judge, and Bobby Halstead, assistant head judge, and the judge team which makes the tournament possible; the great sponsors who contribute so much towards the association’s tournament so that the remaining proceeds may be used toward our scholarship and other community needs. Those who contributed to the “Shop with a Cop” program can feel confident that they will make some needy children in Hyde and Dare counties have a better Christmas than may have otherwise been without a gift.

All 2021 Tournament Results

The tournament featured $10,000 in prize money spread over the various categories.

Top winners posted the longest red drum: First, Jason Cooper, 48-inch red drum. Cooper, from Columbus, Ohio, fished on the Team Murdder. Second overall, Travis McLaughlin, 47.5-inch red drum.

Ladies longest red drum: First, Jeanne Griffin, 25.5-inch red drum, won first place on session and catch time. Second, Amy Cooper also caught a 25.5-inch red drum.

In the longest red drum of each of the three tournament days, winners are:

Day 1: First, James Kenley Jr., 45.25 inches; second Tom Goode, 44.75 inches

Day 2: First, Louis Guzman, 46.75 inches; second Chet Ripley, 45.25 inches

Day 3: First, Richard Kosa, 44.75 inches; second Jason King 23.75 inches

Most drum registered: Jimmy Reynolds, two.

Senior category for longest drum: First, Rick Black at 45.5-inch red drum; second Dan Supplee at 29-inch red drum.

Longest bluefish: John Pickard at 19.95 inches.

Longest sea mullet: Ashley Bahen at 17.75 inches.

Youth division, Logan Fulch registered a 16.25-inch sea mullet and a 17-inch bluefish to win both division categories.

The Joe Moore Team challenge: Team Greggofish with four drums. The team challenge is based on the number of red drum caught. The same team won the challenge in 2019 with eight fish.

– Submitted by Al Adam, NCBBA vice president

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