Dooms-day
FLW Redfish angling team of Dooms-Rieger unleash fury on rest of field, capture first place during opening round of competition
PORT ARANSAS, Texas – The high winds screaming off the Gulf of Mexico and the stained waters which severely denigrated anglers abilities to sight fish proved to be minor obstacles for the angling team of Jimmie Dooms and Jason Rieger during the first day of competition at the second Western Division event of the season.
Using a two-fish catch of 16 pounds, 4 ounces, the duo from Portland, Texas, outpaced the rest of the field, walking away with the overall lead and taking a giant step closer to a tournament title at Port Aransas.
However, with some of the best redfish anglers in the nation comprising the 112-boat field, they also realize that the tournament is far from over.
“We feel pretty good about these fish,” said Dooms. “But we’re going to need the same weight tomorrow to qualify (for the top-five cut), that’s for sure.”
Like father, like son
Right on the heels of Dooms-Rieger in the standings were two father-son teams, who proved that – at least for today – blood is thicker than murky Gulf Coast water.
Turning in a total catch of 15 pounds, 14 ounces to grab second place overall were Jay Watkins and son, Jay Watkins, Jr. – both of Rockport, Texas.
Third place belonged to Danny Coppin and his 23-year-old son, Grant. The Coppins, who finished in sixth place at their first ever Redfish tournament of their careers earlier in the year in Rockport, Texas, said they were enjoying every minute of the competition.
“We got both of our fish by 10 a.m. so we got to spend the rest of the day goofing off,” said Danny Coppin, who together with his son managed to net 15 pounds, 4 ounces during today’s competition. “We only hit about 20 percent of our water today so we feel pretty good about heading back out there tomorrow. We’re both really excited.”
So what does it feel like to have success as a father-son team?
“This is only the second redfish tournament we’ve ever fished together and we’re just having the best time right now,” said Danny Coppin. “I’ve got more hugs from (Grant) today than I have in years so it’s great. We already have a bunch of father-son memories that will never be forgotten.”
Best of the rest
Team Folgers consisting of Tommy Ramzinsky of Fulton, Texas and Todd Adams of Rockport, Texas, grabbed fourth place overall with a total catch of 14 pounds, 15 ounces.
Meanwhile, the Lara-Robinson team, consisting of Joey Lara of Robstown, Texas, and Larry Robinson of Rockport, Texas, finished the day in fifth place with a total catch of 14 pounds, 9 ounces.
Friday’s Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series action at Port Aransas continues during tomorrow’s takeoff, scheduled to take place at 7 a.m. at Port Aransas City Marina, located at 710 West Ave. A in Port Aransas, Texas.