The Cooper Estates second annual Fred Madere Family Fishing Tournament was a roaring success.. Participation was opened to members of the East Cooper Civic Association, their families and guests. The Tournament started on Thursday evening October20 and ended on Sunday October 23. Headquarters were at the Fred Madere Boat landing in Cooper Estates. Fish were caught all over the Lowcountry and 60 miles offshore.

At the Thursday night captain’s/participant’s meeting the main question was what to do in the event there would not be enough fish for Sunday’s fish fry. There was additional concern because the wind prediction was for East/Northeast winds. One of the most concerned participants repeatedly quoted the old fishing adage “East is least. West is best” When other captains and participants began to quote other old fishing adages they had to be reminded that they were at a fishing tournament not a poetry contest. But after serious debate they once again agreed that with the fishing talents of participants, there would be no excuses. Discussions moved on to other subjects and lasted well into the night.

Fishing commenced at dawn on Friday morning. Weigh Ins started at 3PM. There were good catches of Spot Tails, Trout and Flounder.

On a brisk Saturday morning the parking lot was full of empty boat trailers by first light and there were four folks fishing on the dock. Boats started coming in at 3PM for Weigh Ins and it was apparent that there would be enough fish for Sunday’s fish fry. The captains, participants and dock crew cleaned fish until dark – more Spot Tails, Trout, Flounder and a few Sheephead. One boat went off shore and came in late loaded down with Grouper and Trigger Fish. Fish cleaning was in process on Sunday morning almost until cooking time.

The Family Fish Fry and Awards Ceremony started on Sunday at 2PM. Everyone brought food which perfectly complemented the fish. The “Pot Luck” included beans and rice, 30 hour grits, cole slaw, pasta salad and other Lowcountry delights. The desserts were outstanding. Henry Kerr and Dave Eury fried the fish perfectly. It was crisp on the outside and moist and tasty on the inside.

Prizes were awarded for the largest Spot Tail, Trout and Flounder. There was a youth Angler award and for the first time a Lady Angler award. All eligible fish had to be within legal limits.

Spot Tail – Henry Kerr 22 inches 4.25 pounds

Trout – Ed Devine 19 inches 3.25 pounds

Flounder – Ed Devine 20 inches 3.5 pounds

None of the Youth anglers caught fish within the limits so a raffle was held for all of the children aged 14 and under. The children lined up for the draw. Jack Huber was the first one to draw and drew the winning ticket. There were about 12 children lined up and their faces fell when Jack drew the winner.

The Youth Angler Award was a generous gift certificate donated by Haddrell’s Point Tackle and Supply.

Christine Madere, daughter in law of Fred Madere, won the first Lady Angler’s award by catching a 2.5 pound flounder from the dock. Her prize was a pair of sporty Spot Tail ear rings donated by The Charleston Angler. Last year Jeffery Madere won the Youth Angler Award. The Madere Family was once again successful in keeping a prize in the Family and will be challenged every year from now on.

Filleting fish is an important part of any tournament. Good filleting can mean the difference between feast or famine.

Dan Radovanic, president of the Cooper Estates Civic Club and formerly known as Dan the Hacker received the Most Improved Filleter award. The prize was fishing tackle provided by an anonymous donor.

As the sun set, full of fresh fish and a beautiful Lowcountry afternoon, participants, families and guests made their way home to dream about next year’s tournament and Fish Fry.