Sea Vixen Tackle, a new company based in Wrightsville Beach, NC, acted as both sponsor and participant in the 23rd Bald Head Island Rodeo Fishing Tournament.This unique event was initially created to attract fishermen from around the area and has become a favorite of local anglers. Annual participants not only enjoy the beauty and charm of iconic Bald Head Island but also are able to take advantage of the easy access to the Gulf Stream, allowing for a great day on the water. As always, proceeds from the tournament are donated to the care and upkeep of “Old Baldy”, the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina.
This year’s festivities began on Thursday, May 18th with the captains’ meeting and continued with two days of fishing on May 19 & 20. The competition was fierce and, at the end of day two, the boats arrived and immediately weighed in at Mojo’s on the Island. First place honors went to “Contagious” with a two day weight total of 221.44 lbs. The “Contagious” team also caught the largest dolphin which weighed in at 38.8 lbs. The Sea Vixen Tackle crew, Captained by Rick Croson on “Bloodworm III”, came in a close second with a two day total of 196.56 lbs., an impressive showing for their first ever competition as a team. The “Catherine Ann” brought home the largest tuna and the 2017 Lady Angler award went to a member of the “Plane Crazy” crew. “The Critter” caught and released an estimated 550 lb. blue marlin on Day 1 and the anglers on both “Pardner” and “Plane Crazy” caught and released impressive sailfish.
Touted as the “ultimate fishing experience” the organizers are already planning next year’s outing and promise another exciting event for local anglers and spectators alike.