Halibut Take the Hook in Randy Martin Awards Tourney

The Sgt. Randy Martin Awards ceremony was held Thursday on the Redondo Monstead pier and, with the end of the tournament, halibut in particular may have felt that the 126 entrants in the third annual event had declared a cease-fire.

First place went to Hasid Homas of Redondo Beach for his 16-pound, 6-ounce halibut caught on the first day, which rewarded him with a trophy, a complete fishing outfit and a jacket.

Second-place winner was Jerry Dunamac of Wilmington for his 16-pound, 3-ounce halibut. Dunamac received a trophy and tackle.

Third-place finisher Leroy Nelson of West Los Angeles caught a 16-pound, 3-ounce halibut. He received a trophy and fishing gear.

Charlie Middleton, 91, of Redondo Beach was the oldest fisherman and received a rod and reel. Middleton said he fishes 300 days a year and he is concerned about the crowded condition on the pier since the front section that was destroyed by fire has not been replaced.

The youngest participant was 6-year-old Redondo pier angler Chancie Rabotsan, who received a junior award.

On the ocean fishing scene, a variety of fish continue to be landed as the water’s warming trend continued.

Migrating from Baja, the Spanish jack have invaded local waters.

Gordon Keeonis of Gardena said he had not caught a Spanish jack for several years until Sunday, when he landed eight of the scrappy fish on the First String.

It was a first for Byron Thompson of Long Beach, fishing aboard the Victory, when he was unable to stop a hook-up and went from bow to stern following his fish. When it surfaced, deckhand John Woodcum put a gaff to it but it continued to twist and turn. He gaffed the midsection and decked a 30-pound salmon.

In all his years of fishing, Thompson said his goal was someday to catch a salmon.