ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS — Tavernier, Florida, resident Jim Bokor repeated as the top individual angler at the three-day Cheeca Lodge All-American Backcountry Tournament that ended Saturday, Nov. 14, in the Florida Keys.
“Frankie had a plan and the plan came through,” Bokor said. “You can be the greatest angler in the world, but if you don’t have a talented guide, you won’t win.”
In what turned out to be a moment of humor, Bokor accidently hooked Ortiz’ shirt while casting for a tarpon, but Ortiz still was able to guide him to the release.
“I hooked my guide and still caught the tarpon,” Bokor said.
Another Keys legend, Stu Apte from Tavernier, was named runner-up grand champion angler. Apte released 10 fish including eight redfish, one tarpon and a snook, and also took home the artificial division grand champion trophy. He fished with Captain Steve Thomas.
Captain Mike Makowski led a team of two wounded veteran soldiers to the grand champion team title. Retired Captain David Inbody from College Station, Texas, and retired Army Airborne Specialist Nathan Wright of Cypress, Texas, released three bonefish, one on bait, and two tarpon on fly.
Florida Keys Fishing Information: www.fla-keys.com/fishing
