Elliot Stevens, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, measured a combined limit of 51.75 inches to win the first regular-season event for the Florida West Division of the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour presented by Hobie Fishing on March 8 at Punta Gorda, Florida. The angler took home $1,500 and a Power-Pole Micro Anchor for his first-place finish, a combined value of $1,987.
After driving ten hours from Baton Rouge to Punta Gorda, Stevens pre-fished for two days to hone his technique. On tournament day, the angler faced stiff winds of 15 to 20 knots in the Sarasota area, which made for a tough day of fishing. An early morning overcast sky cleared later for improved fishing conditions.
"I fished a weedless Rockport Rattler tipped with Berkley Gulp! and a Sebile top-water," said Stevens. "I retrieved them real slow with a pop every once in a while."
This event marks Stevens’ first win in his three years fishing the IFA Redfish Tour. The angler plans to fish every IFA Kayak Tour event in 2015 season with the exception of the Florida East Division events. The angler’s profession allows time to get out on the road to fish far-off venues and reconnect with fishing buddies.
"I try to fish every weekend, so why not try to fish most of the IFA events," said Stevens. "With the help of my sponsors, like Cabela’s, I hope to win the Florida West Division and, hopefully, an event in my home state."
The next stop for the IFA Kayak Tour is March 29 at Titusville, Florida. Anglers who enter at least a minimum of two events and compete in at least one event will be qualified for the 2015 IFA Kayak Tour championship.
By: Palmer Conrad, Palmer Conrad Consulting
