As the saying goes, “Records are made to be broken.”  That is exactly what took place on Saturday, June 17, 2006 when 69 boats with 315 anglers hauled in over 6,700 lbs of bluefish.  The biggest blue caught in the 22 years of the tournament was on the “Odds Maker” weighing in at 16.02 pounds.  The “Odds Maker” is captained by John Hartnett who donates his boat every year with anglers: Carole Gross, Carole Connelly, Jackie Moss and Marilyn Abrahms, were the big winners.  Good going girls!!!

On Sunday, June 18th before 525 attendees at the awards banquet, that was held in the Grand Cayman Ballroom at Trump Marina, the 2006 Ladies Invitational Bluefish committee presented Lauren Ochs, Director of Oncology for the AtlantiCare R.N.S. Mobile Mammography Van, a check in the amount of $60,000.  This is to support the AtlantiCare R.N.S. Mobile Mammography Assistance Fund.  The support we receive from the local community, volunteers, captains, anglers and sponsors has enable us able to provide mammograms to women in the South Jersey area.

Kathy Kennedy, Marketing Director of Hooters, Firewaters, A Dam Good Crab Shack and a A Dam Good Deli, presented a check payable to LIBT in the amount of 30,000.  This year their marketing efforts included a golf tournament, the regional bikini contest, and bluefish sales.  In addition to their marketing efforts, they add to the excitement by entering a boat.  This year the crew was aboard Captain Jon Weiss’s “Carly A” and enjoyed a beautiful day of fishing.  Many thanks to Kathy and the entire staff from all of the Hooters properties for their support and commitment to helping us fight breast cancer.

On behalf of the entire 2006 committee, I sincerely thank everyone involved who has helped make our record such a successful one.  Sponsors, volunteers, committee members, door prize donators, weigh-in committee, Trump Marina, Seaview Harbor, Brigantine American Legion, captains, mates, anglers, and all who lent a hand in any way … you are the reason for our success.

Hope to see you next year… mark your calendars…. fishing is Saturday, June 16th, 2007

 Kimberly Kirk, LIBT President 2006