Originally posted Sat, 2009-10-10 19:31
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NSBNEWS.net video by Sera Frederick. NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. Photo I: City Commissioner candidate Judy Reiker talks with former City Manager John Hagood during the NSB Billfish Invitational. Photo II: Mayoral candidate Adam Barringer answers campaign questions from city residents. Photo III: One of the two dozen gorgeous boats pulls up to dock at Riverside Park.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Tina Pisula was all smiles when her husband, George, pulled up to the dock at Riverside Park aboard the "Double G" earlier today with two sailfish, a black fin tuna and a dolphin in the New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invitational.
"We've won it twice, we've gotten second twice," the 20-year New Smyrna Beach resident said of her family's showing in the annual event that drew 24 large boats this time around.
Among the items anglers compete in are longest and shortest catches as well as variety in catches.
The "Double G" stands for George Pisula and son, George Pisula Jr., 7, the proud mother said. Hundreds enjoyed several booths featuring food and soft drinks, performances of a live band and plenty of comaraderie.
There were even a couple of political candidates in the November elections on hand: Mayoral candidate Adam Barringer and commissioner candidate Judy Reiker. Another local notable there was former City Manager John Hagood.
Mercedes Benz of Daytona Beach sponsored the event, which sales consultant J.J. Yokem described as a strong community recreational outlet.
Mercedes sales consultant Lee Grasso added, "I've been down here four years in a row. Fishing and sports are always very special and makes for good friends. This is what it's all about.