Tampa Bay, FL (August 18, 2024)- 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.
Inshore Fishing Association would like to thank eTournament Fishing for all the app support and management during the tournament. Also, a major “Thank You” to Melody McIntyre and Jarron Ritchie at the Bass Pro Shops- Tampa Bay store for their help throughout the entire planning process and hospitality this week.
Announcements for the 2025 IFA Tournament dates and locations will be coming very soon. Be sure to subscribe to the IFA e-blast for all of the latest announcements, registration information, and bonus materials.
For more information about Inshore Fishing Association, including sponsor incentives and official tournament results and photos, visit InshoreFishingAssociation.com. Be sure to subscribe to the e-newsletter to receive all the up-to-date news and announcements.
About Inshore Fishing Association
Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) is a part of the Outdoor TeamWorks family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For additional live updates and information, follow IFA on Facebook and Instagram
2024 Proud Sponsors
Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Progressive, Ranger Boats, Mako, Mercury Marine, Aftco, Power-Pole, TH Marine