Two unguided local teens win the 2007 Herman Lucerne
Backcountry Fishing Tournament

(Homestead, FL) -  The big fish story around South Miami-Dade is the performance of friends 16-year-old Taylor Glenn and 14-year-old Wesley Berry during the 8th annual Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Competition April 20 – 22nd.  Berry and Glenn were honored as grand overall champions in the non-guided team category, a distinction usually reserved for older, more seasoned anglers. 

However, the teens are no stranger to the water.  Although it was their first time entering the Herman Lucerne competition, they’ve both enjoyed fishing from Flamingo for many years.  Like the old pros, they even set out from the park the days leading up the competition to “check out the water.”

“There is something very fitting about having two teenagers win the grand overall champion recognition for an event that raises money for children’s services at the hospital,” said Lloyd Wruble, DMD, the event’s chairman.

Glenn and Berry caught six out of the seven eligible species – redfish, snapper, snook, tarpon, trout and bass – failing only to catch a bonefish. 

Ron Baker and Linda Denkert were announced as the grand overall champions for a guided team with the help of Guide Dave Denkert.   The guided team caught all seven of the eligible species, only failing to catch a black drum. 

Sponsored by the Homestead Hospital Foundation, the event has raised more than $200,000 for children’s services at Homestead Hospital in the last eight years.  The competition drew about 83 anglers and almost 40 boats.  The fundraising event included a Friday Night Family Festival at Harris Field, an auction and a reception/awards banquet on Sunday.

“We are thrilled this event continues to be popular with local anglers and raise money for a great cause,” continued Mr. Wruble.  “The generous support of our sponsors and the hard work by the Foundation and our committee contributed to another successful year.”