TAMPA BAY, FL. – The 2024 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Inshore Fishing Association presented by Progressive tournament in Tampa Bay, FL has been won by kayak angler Daniel Curry who recorded a combined measurement of 49 inches for his best Speckled Trout and Redfish.
“Man, I don’t know what to think, I really did not think it would hold up today as conditions were a lot more favorable for the rest of the anglers fishing this, but I am certainly thankful it all worked out,” said the Florida native.
“I caught all my fish yesterday relating to the high tide we saw in the morning and early afternoon. That was key for me to focus on my primary areas because the fish had the bait pinned up shallow during that low tide.”
Daniel reported fishing mangrove areas and fishing a soft plastic swimbait way back up in an area that even in a kayak was hard to manage.
“I think this time of year during an in-coming or high tide the fish will push as far shallow as they can searching for bait that is trying to find any area to escape. That is why in the real hot months like now, you’ll see a lot of redfish and other sportfish species so shallow that their backs are out of the water.
Daniel also took home the Biggest Speckled Trout Award and was the highest finishing Kayak Angler. In total, he ends the weekend $3,149 in cash and prizes which included a Power-Pole Micro Anchor system.
Julius Baker Finishes Second with 46.50”
The biggest come-back angler of the day was Julius Baker, who went from 14th place on Day-1 to nearly running down the leader. Julis ended the event with a total of 46.50 inches for his biggest Speckled Trout and Redfish during the tournament. He ended the event in 2nd Place overall in the tournament. He also was crowned the overall Angler Division Champion and caught the biggest Redfish of the event.
“This was the most exciting event I have fished in a long time, the IFA really did up right for the anglers in the Tampa area. I was able to fish with my wife and we had a great time.”
Julius reported fishing a mix of different topwater baits, soft plastic swimbaits, and Berkley Saltwater Gulp Shrimp to catch his fish. He stayed primarily focused on running active schools of bait which were identified by diving birds in his areas.
Lane Warnick took home the Kid’s Division Champion’s title after recording a Redfish and Speckled Trout that measured 40.75” combined.
Rest of the Top-5 Overall
3.) Shawn Blanton 43.25”
4.) Charles Statham 42.75”
5.) Noah Statham 41.50”
Official Final Results can be found here.
