Lyles wins 5th Annual Sawyer Memorial Fishing Tournament
Saturday September 29, 2007
Eric Lyles of Purcellville Virginia won the 5th annual Sawyer Memorial Fishing Tournament sponsored by the Academic Anglers Fishing Team that was held out of Lynn haven Marina in Virginia Beach on September 21st.
Lyles choose to use flounder rigs and go after big fish rather than use croaker rigs that usually catch more but smaller fish. This tactic paid off as Lyle caught a five- pound flounder to go with several croakers to capture the crown.
Jerry Gaines, the two time defending champion, made a valiant effort to overtake Lyles but came up short. Although Lyles has the most weight caught, Gaines caught the most fish and received the runner-up trophy.
Aaron Sawyer of Elizabeth City North Carolina received the Big Fish Trophy. He caught an oversize croaker to capture the prize.
This year’s tournament had participants from Delaware, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Maryland, and Virginia.
The Sawyer Memorial Fishing Tournament is held annually in memory of Bernice Sawyer of Camden North Carolina. Bernice encouraged family and friends to gather together and fish as a wholesome way show love and friendship.
The Academic Anglers is an African American professional fishing team that competes on the Walleye and Redfish Tours.
