ROCK HALL — The Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company (RHVFC) raised over $46,000 in this year’s annual Guardian of the Pearl Rockfish Tournament. The earnings were capped off with a generous donation back to the company from his win by youth angler Bryce Jacobs.
Kicking off the event was a catered Captain’s Meeting at Haven Harbour South the night before the competition took to the water. Thirty-five boats registered for the tournament beginning Saturday, June 8 and ending Sunday.
Prizes were awarded to: Mike Walters (6.0 lbs) on Recoil with Captain Gerry Haggerty, $8,820; Jamie Skaggs Sr. (5.8 lbs.) on Fish ‘n Party with Captain Lenny Fletcher, $5,292; Mark Migdal (5.6 lbs.) on Vista Lady with Captain Ryan Popp, $3,528.
In the youth division: Jamie Skaggs, Jr. (5.0 lbs.) on the Fish ‘n Party with Captain Lenny Fletcher, $3,825; Briggs Ramsay (4.8 lbs.) on the Vista Lady with Captain Ryan Popp, $2,295; Bryce Jacobs (4.8 lbs.) on the SeaDux with Captain Brian Councell, $1,530.
Top female angler was presented to Hannah Stotlemyer (4.6 lbs.) on the Rowe Boat with Captain Lance Rowe. She received a custom Rock Hall Hook Bracelet donated by Robin Kurowski.
The top three finishers in both the adult division were also gifted custom made art pieces donated by Sandy Jacobs; youth finishers also received metal artwork from Greg Jetton owner of Gunsmoke Metal Shop.
Donating his winnings back to the fire company, Jacobs said he wanted to help support the new ambulance, and his mother said, to show his thanks for helping his grandmother, Rosemary Elburn.
Public Information Officer Brian Jones emphasized the importance of fishing competitions like this one.
“This action-packed tournament is very important to the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company and the Rock Hall community. It promotes heritage, tourism, and fishing for the town while raising much needed funds to support our organization.”
Additionally, he noted, it promotes local businesses and Rock Hall’s unique, time-honored history, ensuring that the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company can continue its mission to protect and serve the citizens of Rock Hall and surrounding communities.
Jones noted the first two tournaments raised over $50,000 in combined funding.
That went to purchasing life-saving equipment, outfitting firefighters with up-to-date safety gear, and financing building maintenance projects — helping RHVFC introduce their brand new ambulance 71 this year.
“This tournament gave us over $46,000 ($46,500 exactly) to our general fund, so thank you to our sponsors,” announced Becca Demchyk, vice president of the Board of Directors at RHVFC.
Youth sponsorship was $7,650, which went to youth prizes, and $19,600 in registration fees were raised with 10% going to the fire company, and the rest, to prizes, she explained.
Jones said the final proceeds seem to match the previous year’s tournament. Price too was pleased with the event.
“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.”
And showing solidarity and respect to the industry and the town they love, the youth portion of the tournament was dedicated to the late fire company honorary member Martin “Ton” Jacquette, who would share exciting highlights of the day on social media.
As tradition, his cut-out likeness oversaw the youth tournament anglers.
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