Flores Wins IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Event at Titusville, FL
OutdoorHub 04.28.14
Chris Flores, of Rockledge, Fla., measured a combined limit of 63.00 inches to win the first regular-season event for the Florida East Division of the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour presented by Hobie Fishing at Titusville, Fla., on April 27.
In his first year fishing the IFA Kayak tour, Flores’ 36.50-inch redfish put him seven inches above his closer competitor. Fishing north of the Max Brewer Bridge, the angler stayed close to the bank.
“Conditions were perfect and in my favor,” said Flores. “The winds were calm in my area. The water was clear for the redfish and dirty, thick water for the trout.”
Flores attributes his quick success on the IFA Kayak tour to friend and fellow angler Charles “Redfish Chuck” Levi, operator of KBB Outfitters in Titusville and a host on Kayak Fishing Radio.
“I’ve learned everything I know from Redfish Chuck and was trying to think back on what Chuck would do,” said Flores. “I feel good about my performance and very humbled to place high today.”
The angler’s redfish won him the $250 Berkley Big Fish award. He also took home an additional $504 in Anglers Advantage cash and the $250 Hobie Top Angler award for having the highest placed finish for an angler competing out of a Hobie kayak.
Ty Nelson, of Orlando, Fla., measured a 27.25-inch redfish and a 28.75-inch speckled sea trout for a second-place finish. The angler fished in the Indian River Lagoon area. Even though the winds picked up later in the afternoon, Nelson had one of his better fishing outings.
“The winds were more than I expected but it didn’t impact me much,” said Nelson. “I had the best trout fishing day of my life today and caught a lucky red on a topwater bait.”
Aaron Rogers, Titusville local and first-year IFA Kayak angler, had a good showing with his combined length of 54.50 inches. The angler took home third place and $500 for his efforts.
Even though he failed to boat a redfish, Scott Chaney landed a 32.25-inch trout and won the $100 Big Trout award. 12-year old Kyle Bramblett and his 27.00-inch trout won the Junior Angler award for having the highest placed finish for a junior angler.
The fastest-growing kayak fishing tournament trail in the country, the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Presented by Hobie Fishing events are catch-photograph-release tournaments, offering inshore kayak anglers from a multitude of states the opportunity to participate in competitive fishing tournaments with low entry fees and minimal travel requirements.
For more information or to become a member of the IFA, visit www.ifatours.com. To discover more about kayaking and Hobie Fishing go to www.hobiefishing.com.
