All-Fly Top Angler Wins Florida Keys’ Herman Lucerne Backcountry Challenge

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Andy Yaffa of Miami, Florida, secured the title of master angler at the 2022 Herman Lucerne Memorial Tournament that ended Sept. 18.

Guided and unguided anglers fished within the boundaries of Everglades National Park for snook, snapper, redfish, trout, tarpon, bonefish and black drum using bait, artificial or fly tackle.

Yaffa logged catches from all seven targeted species to take the top title. His guide, Captain Jared Raskob, hails from Islamorada and was named top guide.   

The title of guided junior champion, with five species, went to Blaise Walczak, who fished with his father and guide, Captain Robert Walczak. Both are from Naples, Florida. The top unguided junior champion, Gavin Greer, also logged five species.

Jim Bokor Jr. of Buffalo, New York, garnered both the guided artificial division champion title with seven species and top guided male. He fished with Islamorada’s Captain Richard Black. Stephen Greer from Homestead, Florida, cinched the unguided artificial division win.

The top guided female angler, Carmen Perez-Padron from Tavernier, Florida, logged five species. She was guided by Islamorada’s Captain Dave Denkert. The top unguided female angler was Stephanie Parsons, also of Tavernier.

A field of 90 anglers hailing from six states and Washington, D.C., competed in the annual challenge that celebrates the late Lucerne’s affinity for the area.

As well as enabling participants to enjoy the beauty of the Everglades, the tournament benefits water initiative groups whose efforts are restoring the flow of clean freshwater to Florida Bay and Everglades National Park, a designated World Heritage Site.

The 2023 event is set for Sept. 15-17, according to organizers.