For the third year in a row, Mo Smith from Cordova, Tennessee, has claimed the Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series. He now shares a prestigious slot in the 22 year history of the Redbone as the only other Three-Peater, joining mega competitor Jim Bokor, of Tavernier, who accomplished this feat in ‘92, ‘93 & ‘94.

Smith dominated the first two legs of the trilogy, laying down a foundation that would prove nearly impossible to surpass. At last week’s Redbone, three non-scoreable undersized bonefish and a “short” red blocked him from attaining his goal of the perfect trifecta. No angler has EVER won all three in one year.

Redbone 2009 began with the one day Superfly on Friday in 28-32mph winds! After 3 consecutive years as reigning Superfly Series Champion, Smith was finally dethroned by Cal Collier Jr. Cal teamed up with Capt. Steve Thomas and this strong duo captured 4 redfish (worth 100 points each) by 9:30a.m. Their quest to add a bonefish (two species beats multiple scoring on one fish) had failed, but it was enough for the victory on time.

I watched Mo Smith capitalize on two tough crosswind shots, throwing to vague (at best) puffs of mud on dark grass. He came tight on and boated 2 bonefish of 6 & 8 pounds, worth 200 points each, but again lost on time. Cal Collier’s 1st at Slam with Capt. Just Rea and his win at Redbone with Thomas edged out Smith’s 1st at Baybone and his 2nd at Redbone for Superly Series Champion honors.

Winds ramped up even more for the two day Redbone. A steady 30-33mph blast plus a cloud cap greeted anglers on Saturday morning. Smith, teammate Frank Delucas and I had few options but to stake out and blindfish bonefishy alleys with shrimp. We had 8 bones on, caught 6 and disappointingly, only 3 were legal.

It did not seem possible, but Day Two blew even harder. Gusts were recorded of over 40mph and gale warnings were issued, ultimately blowing the event tent at Lorelei completely up and over! Portions of our crossing back to Flamingo were downright dangerous. We poled several flats and found virtually nothing in the morning. At lower tides, we jigged channels (called dredging) catching and releasing more than our limit of jacks, trout and orange gunite-spraying ladyfish, finally catching a red of 17″, one inch short of scoreable.

We sought out lees around points and islands and were able to put together 1/2 dozen shots at seemingly much larger than normal redfish. Our very last opportunity came at 2:30 in the afternoon. Frank spotted a fat red and miscued on the cast. The drum sped away, but then stopped and gobbled Mo’s jig and the 32 1/2 incher was mugging for a photo moments later.

Young Capt. Richard Black had guided his team to 4 bones and 4 reds, enabling Randy Frick to finish as High Point Angler. With 3 bones and 2 reds, longtime Redbone supporter Joe Viar grabbed Second while fishing with Capt. Andy Thompson.

Mo Smith took home a large Kendall VanSant bronze for his Series Grand Champion victory. Smith also won High Point Angler Day One, Most Bonefish Releases and Largest Redfish.

Editor’s Note: This is the 7th Redbone Series win for Krowka, with 4 different anglers. Scott Deal in ‘97 & ‘98, Dan Zicari in ‘00, Kal Blumberg in ‘04 and Mo Smith in ‘07, ‘08 and ‘09.

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