Don Yirka holding his winning 43.35 lb Rockfish

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

(PASADENA, MD) - The 25th Annual Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) Spring Rockfish Tournament finished the weekend with over 650 boats competing once again for a hefty jackpot.  The tournament has been one of the most popular fishing competitions on the East Coast for the past 25 years.  The 2008 tournament was no exception as anglers of all skill levels from all over the country arrived in the area to compete last weekend.

This year’s winning Rockfish was brought in by Don Yirka of Brooklyn, MD weighing in at 43.35 lbs. Mr. Yirka took first place overall in the tournament as well as two “Tournament-Within-Tournaments” (TWT’s), the $25 and $50, bringing his total winnings to $16,070.

The big winner, however, was Kayvan Bahrami of Chester, MD.  Bahrami brought in a 42.10 lb. Rockfish on day one of the tournament securing him second place. Bahrami took the bigger risk and entered all seven TWT’s, which produced $89,288 of total winnings.  This is the largest amount given away by the MSSA in Spring Tournament history.

“I am not surprised at the amount of money won. If you want to win big money, enter the TWT’s”, said Rich Novotny, Executive Director of the MSSA.

Third place went to Richard Garrison of California, MD weighing in a 39.25 lb. Rockfish at 4:23 on Sunday. Mr. Garrison took second place in four TWT’s as well, bringing his total winnings to $30,701. Lee Slagle of Annapolis, MD captured fourth place over all with his impressive 38.55 lb. Rockfish and third place in six of the TWT’s bringing his total to $22,903.

While there were some big winners, 131 prize amounts were given to competitors throughout the tournament. Included in the prizes is a Catch and Release division won by two anglers this year, Sam Fischer and George Fitzsimmons. Each reeled in 46 Rockfish throughout the three day tournament.

The tournament ended on Sunday with the ten weigh-stations, located throughout the Bay, closing down at 4:30pm. “This year was by far the best year we have had in a long time. And it is encouraging that the Bay can still hold a tournament that produces great fish and great anglers”, said Rich Novotny.