The Mathews Rotary Club held its sixth annual Rockfish Tournament on Saturday at Morningstar Marinas, Gwynn’s Island. This year, the weather cooperated and the fish were plentiful.

"We registered 26 boats in the tournament and 16 brought back 21 fish to weigh," said event coordinator David Fitch. "Of the 21 fish we weighed, the total combined weight was 545 pounds of rockfish, an impressive sight."

Brad Bates of Heathsville, was the first-place winner, taking home $2,000 for catching a 36.56 lb., 45.5" specimen off his boat, "Assault Weapon."

Second place, and $1,000, went to Wayne Endroughty of Richmond, who caught a 36.18 lb., 45 3/8" fish off his boat, "Wet Paint." Third-place winner Billy Flippin of Bena, was awarded $700 for catching a 35.8 lb., 44.25" striper off his boat, "30 Pack."

Bill Leary of North, was the senior winner, receiving $100 for a 23.04 lb., 37" fish caught off Ron Lambert’s boat, "Halcyon 2." Debra Goodier of Gloucester, was the to...