November 7-9, 2019

Cheeca Lodge & Spa Islamorada, FL

Tournament inspired by 41st US President George Bush honored war heroes and benefitted Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Cheeca Lodge & Spa announced results of its 7th Annual All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament held Nov. 7-9 in Islamorada, FL.

The event gathered the industry’s finest to compete, honor our veterans and raise funds for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. In honor of Veteran’s Day, Cheeca hosted the U.S. Marine Corp. veteran team of Sgt. Tommy Pearce of Miami, FL, and Private 1st Class Raul Lucas of Dania Beach, FL, who competed as a team.

Celebrities in attendance included Jeb Bush, Jr., Bruce Melnick, former American Astronaut and retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, and legendary fly champion Stu Apte. All American anglers competed for trophies and prizes for releasing five different species of fish: snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. Tackle divisions included fly, artificial and bait.

Tournament Results The tournament’s field of fourteen anglers on ten boats posted overall game fish totals of 56 snook, 47 redfish, 10 tarpon, 8 bonefish and 3 permit. The total of 124 releases during the two-day tournament included 16 on fly, 44 on artificial tackle and 64 on general tackle. Grand Champion Angler and Fly Division Champion

Taking home top honors of Grand Champion Angler and Fly Division Champion Angler was Fred Schwaibold of Charleston, SC, guided by Dave Denkert of Islamorada, FL. Schwaibold released one permit and four bonefish on bait, and eight snook, five redfish, one bonefish and one tarpon on fly. He earned bonus points for catching all five species and released a total of 15 fish on fly.

Grand Champion Team

For the second year in a row, Grand Champion Team Awards went to Paul McCulliss of Littleton, CO, and his son Brian McCulliss of Denver, CO, Title Sponsors representing McCulliss Oil & Gas. Guided by Eric Herstedt of Homestead, FL, the duo released 16 snook, 19 redfish, and one bonefish.

General Division Champion Angler and Second-Place Angler Division

Jim Bokar of Tavernier, FL, earned General Division Champion Angler and Second-place Angler Division with ten snook, eight redfish, five tarpon and two bonefish. Bokar was guided by Frank Ortiz of Key Largo, FL.

Second-PlaceTeam Division Award

Second Place Team Division Award went to Dennis and Jeffery Bernardo of Cumberland, RI, for releasing 13 snook, seven redfish and four tarpon, guided by Mike Alfano of Islamorada, FL.

Artificial Division Champion Angler

Anthony Bongiovanni of Newington, CT, clinched Champion Angler in the Artificial Division, releasing nine snook and five redfish. Bongiovanni fished with his father Alan representing the Bongiovanni Group, a Title Sponsor of the tournament.

Most Outstanding Catch

Brian Walwyn of Delray Beach, FL, landed the Most Outstanding Catch Award for releasing two permits back-to-back, guided by Rich Smith of Marathon, FL.

Best Photo

Best Photo Awards went to the U.S. Marine Corp. veteran team of Sgt. Tommy Pearce of Miami, FL and Private 1st Class Raul Lucas, of Dania Beach, FL, guided by Mike Makowski of Key Largo, FL. They released nine snook and one redfish. The snook was a first for Lucas.

“It was an incredible experience to fish a tournament of this caliber in the sport fishing capital of the world and actually take home an award,” noted Pearce. “It was also great to get acquainted with Jeb Bush, Jr., since I served under the George W. Bush Administration,” he added.

Silent Auction Hosted by Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

The tournament’s kick off event featured a silent auction benefitting Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. Items included items from Blue Marlin Jewelry and artist Jake Jones, as well as items from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust which included a three-day fishing excursion to the Bahamas and many other fishing-related items.

Anglers and Guides were Among the Best of the Best

Anglers and guides enjoyed an evening reception and presentation by former American Astronaut and retired U.S. Coast Guard officer Bruce Melnick who shared his “Rescue at 17,500 MPH” experience on the maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The tournament also featured Sandy Moret who updated anglers and guides on the progress of the #NoworNeverglades and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust initiatives at the awards banquet.

2020 All American Backcountry Tournament

Save the date: The 2020 All American Backcountry Tournament will be held November 12-14, 2020.

Top Left: Bruce Melnick and Stu Apt.

Top Right: Sandy Moret, US Marine Corp Veteran Tommy Pearce, John Garth, Cheeca GM; Bruce Melnick; US Marine Corp Veteran Raul Lucas.

Bottom Left: Tommy Pearce, Lisa Thornhill and Jeb Bush, Jr.