Barry Shevlin of Bay Harbor, Fla., and long-time fishing buddy Buck Fisher of Homestead, Fla., caught five of seven target species to win the 2008 Herman Lucerne Memorial Tournament that ended Sept. 14.
Anglers from all over the country fished within the boundaries of Everglades National Park for snook, snapper, redfish, trout, tarpon, bonefish and black drum with bait, artificial or fly tackle.
Guided by Capt. Brian Gwilliams, the Shevlin-Fisher grand champion team caught a 36-inch tarpon on artificial, a 28.5-inch snook on artificial, an 11.5-inch snapper on fly, a 26.5-inch redfish on artificial, and a 21-inch trout on fly.
"Catching a couple on fly gave us the advantage, which helped us with points," Shevlin said.
Gwilliams was honored as top captain.
The top self-guided team was composed of father and son Thomas and Ken Tafoya of Key Largo, Fla., who caught a 25-inch bonefish, 27-inch snook on artificial, 16.5-inch trout on artificial, 13-inch snapper on artificial and 24.5-inch redfish on artificial.
The title of junior champion went to Homestead's Ridge Murphy, who is the son of Captain Rick Murphy of television's "Sportsman's Adventures" fishing show. He was guided by Captain Matt Loftin, also of Homestead, Fla. They caught a 29-inch snook, 14-inch snapper, 25-inch trout, 21-inch tarpon and 23-inch redfish.
The tournament's top male angler was Tony Nobregas of Islamorada, guided by Captain Mike Hutchinson of Miami Springs, Fla.
Top female angler was Linda Denkert, guided by her husband Capt. Dave Denkert. Both hail from Islamorada.
Fly division champion honors went to Roger Fernandez of Pinecrest, Fla., guided by Captain Eric Herstedt of Homestead.
In all, Lucerne tournament anglers caught and released 102 fish.
The 2009 tournament is scheduled Sept. 11-13.
