Anglers uncertain what to expect
at F.C.A. Montauk Redbone
MONTAUK, N.Y. — Facing gloomy conditions and unpredictable wind, 15 anglers launched Thursday to kick off the F.C.A. Montauk Redbone event, which is the fourth event of the 2009 ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series presented by TakeMeFishing.org.
Two-angler teams joined by a guide will be looking to score bluefish, striped bass and false albacore to accumulate points. While points are an important aspect of the scoring system, anglers must achieve at least one SLAM — catching all three species — to be considered for the victory.
Teams will be scored based on landing a fish in one of two categories, a fly or spin/plug. The scoring system can be found below.
With a number of strategies available, local guide Dean Kardamis feels the tournament will play out as a sight-fishing competition.
"Everyone is going to look to stay out of the wind," said Kardamis, who has been guiding in these waters since 1991. "The water can get really rough and that makes it tough to catch fish. It's funny because sometimes you will see other boats try to steal spots from other competitors. But here, that doesn't work. You need to find the fish yourself and then figure out a way to fish them effectively."
Kardamis is one of the guides who was randomly paired with two anglers from a field that includes celebrity anglers, icnluding ex-Miami Dolphin Jim Jensen, and other accomplished anglers. Check back to espnoutdoors.com later today and Friday for complete coverage.
F.C.A. Montauk Redbone scoring format
Species Bluefish Str.Bass F.Albacore Fly Division 100 200 200Spin/Plug 50 100 100
Bonus Points:
For additonal SLAMS, teams earn 200 points
Each striped bass over 36 inches earns an additional 100 points
