The 8th annual MCFF/CCA Fall Fly Fishing Challenge was held Sunday, after being rescheduled from Saturday due to windy conditions. Despite a gusty breeze, many fly anglers still had good action. In the tournament, put on jointly by the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers and the Sarasota chapter of Coastal Conservation Association, anglers could target snook, trout, reds and more on any water on the west coast of Florida using flies only. All fish were photographed and immediately released. Winners were awarded handsome plaques, gift certificates and Orvis fly rods. Event sponsors include Orvis, Redfish Landing Guide Service, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, Economy Tackle, Discount Tackle Outlet and Flying Fish Outfitters.

The Open Division is for guides, anglers fishing with guides and any other angler wishing to compete. The biggest slam (snook, redfish and trout) was caught by Brent Wilson of Sarasota and measured 59.5 total inches. Steve Gibson of Sarasota caught 67.7 total inches of trout. Top redfish honors went to Leigh West of Tampa with 77.25 total inches. Jay Wright of Orlando took the snook spot with just 19.25 total inches.