(Supplied Photos)
“This took a fishing village to put together,” Tournament Director Cynthia Grobelny said about the all-female fishing tournament, Reel Queens Fluke Jam, out of the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club, which welcomed 50 registered boats for a memorable day of celebrating women in recreational fishing on Sunday, July 26.
According to Grobelny, the event was “created with the vision of bringing women and girls of all ages together to support, encourage and inspire one another both on and off the water.” The atmosphere of camaraderie and mentorship was meant to promote a lifelong love of fishing in the next generation of female anglers.
Grobelny gave credit to her “outstanding committee that helped to put it all together in three months’ time. We could not have done it without the support of the LBI community and the BHMTC members and executive board, as well.”
The excitement began the evening before the tournament, as captains and crews gathered for in-person registration at the clubhouse and online through the Reel Time app.
Dinner was provided by Bruno’s Meat Market and Chick-fil-A of Manahawkin, and every registered team received a swag bag full of generous sponsor donations. Swag bags included Alex and Ani bracelets, healthy snacks from nationally recognized brands, custom koozies courtesy of Wright Law Firm, and a variety of gifts from local businesses and tournament supporters.
Tournament day showcased sportsmanship and teamwork. From the 50 boats, 45 fish were brought to the scales, and $5,390 was awarded in cash prizes across multiple divisions. Crews led by Madison Damiani and Polly’s both had the largest fluke, 6.4 pounds, winning the Fluke Queen and Heaviest Overall awards.
Angler Maureen Saraullo of West Creek said the boats faced some tough conditions. The “All Fun” crew managed a top prize of lightest legal fluke, just under 2 pounds, winning the Saltiest Catch Award. Each boat had a theme – hers was “The Italian Nonas.”
She said it was a “great time fishing and even a better after-party.”
Cheering teammates, families, volunteers and spectators celebrated each catch. At the Mardi Gras-inspired awards party, everyone enjoyed a New Orleans-inspired buffet; the Ocean Avenue Stompers filled the room with authentic New Orleans jazz, and a photo booth added to the fun.
In addition to awards for division winners, overall boat, and largest and smallest catches was the Reel Queens Spirit Award, for enthusiasm, encouragement, sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Sponsors contributed more than $10,000 in cash and in-kind donations, Grobelny noted. Their support helped fund operations, swag, prizes and event activities. In addition, local businesses donated merchandise, event tickets, gift certificates and other items that created an outstanding raffle prize table enjoyed by participants throughout the event.
Having pulled off “an incredible inaugural year,” she said, “the Reel Queens Fluke Jam has established a strong foundation for an annual tradition that empowers women, inspires young anglers, strengthens the fishing community and celebrates the shared passion for life on the water.” —V.F.