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3rd Annual Guardian of the Pearl Rockfish Tournament Results
[Rock Hall, Maryland, June 10, 2024] The 3rd Annual Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company Guardian of the Pearl Rockfish Tournament has concluded. The three-day event that featured a two-day tournament (June 8-9) and a Captain’s Meeting (June 7) was filled with excitement, intense competition and comradery.
Captain’s, Anglers and Guests gathered at Haven Harbor South for the Captain’s Meeting on Friday, June 7th. The catered event allowed stories to be told, raffles to take place and captains picked up their buckets of supplies, rules and swag.
The action-packed tournament began bright and early on June 8th with the weigh in and base of the tournament setup at the Rock Hall Bulkhead. A total of 19 boats with 114 anglers registered and participated in the tournament on Saturday and 16 boats with 95 anglers registered and participated in the tournament for Sunday. Overall, 15 youth anglers took part in the action as well.
Committee Chair, Stephanie Price said: “Despite challenges in the economy and the changes in the fishery regulations, the tournament was extremely successful, the anglers had two great days of fishing for a great cause.”
Around 3 PM on June 9th, Captains, anglers, guests and spectators gathered at the awards ceremony held at the Rock Hall Bulkhead. The youth awards were presented first.
The Youth portion of the Tournament was dedicated to the late Fire Company Honorary Member Martin “Ton” Jacquette. Throughout the years, Ton played an important role during the annual Rockfish Tournaments held at the Rock Hall Bulkhead. Ton would keep everyone informed by sharing the exciting highlights of the day among anglers, staff and the community via his social media pages. A carved out picture of Ton is always at the Tournament.
1st Place
Jamie Skaggs, Jr (5.0 pounds) on the Fish 'n Party with Captain Lenny Fletcher - Jamie received $3,825.00 and a custom made rockfish from Greg Jetton owner of Gunsmoke Metal Shop.
Pictured left to right: Captain Lenny Fletcher, Angler Jamie Skaggs, Jr. RHVFC President Andy Glenn and Committee Chair Stephanie Price.
2nd place
Briggs Ramsay (4.8 pounds) on the Vista Lady with Captain Ryan Popp - Briggs received $2,295.00 and a custom made crab from Greg Jetton owner of Gunsmoke Metal Shop.
Pictured left to right: Captain Ryan Popp, Angler Briggs Ramsey, RHVFC President Andy Glenn and Committee Chair Stephanie Price.
3rd Place
Bryce Jacobs (4.8 pounds) on the SeaDux with Captain Brian Councell - Bryce received $1,530.00 and a custom made muskrat from Greg Jetton owner of Gunsmoke Metal Shop. Bryce graciously donated his winnings back to the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company in support of the new ambulance which made its debut at the Tournament. According to his mother, Jessica Jacobs, Bryce donated the money to the fund for the ambulance as a thank you for the times RHVFC helped his grandmother Rosemary Elburn.
Pictured left to right: Captain Brian Councell, Angler Bryce Jacobs, RHVFC President Andy Glenn and Committee Chair Stephanie Price.
Following the youth division awards, the top female angler was crowned.
Hannah Stotlemyer (4.6 pounds) on the Rowe Boat with Captain Lance Rowe - Hannah received a custom Rock Hall Hook Bracelet donated by Robin Kurowski.
Pictured left to right: Captain Lance Rowe, Angler Hannah Stotlemyer, RHVFC President Andy Glenn and Committee Chair Stephanie Price.
Finally, the crowd drew bigger as the regular division awards were presented:
1st Place
Mike Walters (6.0pounds) on Recoil with Captain Gerry Haggerty - $8,820.00, Mike received a custom made wooden 3D Map of the Chesapeake Bay by Bayside Woodworks and lures donated by Sandy Jacob.
Pictured left to right: Angler Mike Walters, RHVFC President Andy Glenn, Captain Gerry Haggerty and Committee Chair Stephanie Price.
2nd Place
Jamie Skaggs, Sr. (5.8 pounds) on Fish 'n Party with Captain Lenny Fletcher - $5,292.00, Jamie received a custom made wooden Maryland Flag with a Rockfish by Bayside Woodworks and lures donated by Sandy Jacob.
Pictured left to right: Captain Lenny Fletcher, Angler Jamie Skaggs, Sr., RHVFC President Andy Glenn and Committee Chair Stephanie Price.
3rd Place
Mark Migdal (5.6 pounds) on Vista Lady with Captain Ryan Popp - $3,528.00, Mark received a custom made wooden Maryland Flag with a Rockfish by Bayside Woodworks and lures donated by Sandy Jacob.
Pictured left to right: Captain Ryan Popp, Angler Mark Migdal, RHVFC President Andy Glenn and Committee Chair Stephanie Price.
At the end of the tournament, the total sponsorship raised was $46,500, Youth Sponsorship was $7,650 (which all went to youth prizes) and $19,600 in registration fees was raised - which 10% goes directly to the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company ($1,960) - and the rest of the registration money went to prizes.
While the final figures are not calculated at the time of this press release, the final proceeds seem to match previous year tournament results.
The President of the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Andy Glenn had this to say: “The Guardian of the Pearl rockfish tournament is one of the biggest fundraisers for the fire company, the support from the community, captains and participants is amazing. All proceeds raised from sponsorships and registration fees will go to the general fund to help us support our mission of supporting the community with providing emergency services.”
The previous two tournaments held in 2022 and 2023 raised over $50,000 in combined funding and assisted the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company with purchasing life-saving equipment, outfitting firefighters with up to date safety gear, and financing building maintenance projects.
The support from the Captains, Anglers and Sponsors have been extraordinary and contributed to the success of this year and previous year tournaments. We are very grateful!
Thank you to the 3rd Annual Guardian of the Pearl Rockfish Committee
Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company
Brian Jones - Public Information Officer - (410) 639-7888 opt 5 - info@rockhallvfc.org