CAPE CHARLES — On May 20, anglers from all over Virginia and even some from Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania took part in the inaugural Lower Chesapeake Bay Black Drum Classic Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce.

The tourney was based at the Cape Charles Harbor where the anglers could take advantage of the recently completed floating docks.

The tournament started at 6 p.m. with great food catered by Kelly’s Gingernut Pub and music by Steve Strandberg. After a short captain’s meeting to go over the rules and answer questions, the anglers were turned loose to start fishing at 8 p.m. The final weigh in was at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon allowing the anglers to try their luck for an unusual 42 hours.

A total of 17 fish were brought in to compete for a pot of prize money totaling $5,250. The first place prize of $2,500 went to Team “In Hot Pursuit” for Jeff Horner’s 74-pound black drum. The second place prize of $1,500 was taken by Team “Bad Fish” with a 69-pound drum hauled in by Jon Parrish.

Third place went to Team “Sawdust.” Tony Ward’s 61 -pounder won the team $750.

Team “Bad Fish” also took home the Captain’s Award of $500 for the highest combined weight of two fish at 129 pounds with the second fish being pulled in by Joshua Yunker. Team “Bad Fish” also won the Release Division.

Any unwanted fish were donated to the Food Bank on the Eastern Shore.

The tournament was sponsored by Southside Harley-Davidson, Major Excavation, Seaworthy Marine, Chris’ Bait & Tackle, and Northampton Lumber.