Sports

David Mapson, Neal Hammons, Tristan Mapson and Justin Hammons, from left, are pictured with their first-place kingfish, weighing an impressive 47.7 pounds. Team Taking the Bait took home the top prize of $10,000. Photo by Terry Lacoss

David Mapson, Neal Hammons, Tristan Mapson and Justin Hammons, from left, are pictured with their first-place kingfish, weighing an impressive 47.7 pounds. Team Taking the Bait took home the top prize of $10,000. Photo by Terry Lacoss

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Big NSFA kingfish tourney

Beth Jones
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
“My father and I have had fished several kingfish tournaments prior to this event with the same mindset,” said Justin Hammons, Taking the Bait kingfish team angler, “which is to be the first tournament fishing boat to the fishing grounds and fish every possible minute of the day.
Fernandina Beach High School junior Sady Campbell is heading to Pebble Beach next month for the PGA Tour Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. Photo courtesy of Pam Bell Photography

Fernandina Beach High School junior Sady Campbell is heading to Pebble Beach next month for the PGA Tour Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. Photo courtesy of Pam Bell Photography

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Pirate to play Pebble Beach

Beth Jones
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Sady Campbell, a junior at Fernandina Beach High School, is among the 80 First Tee participants selected to play in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee.
Saturday morning scrimmage for Pirates. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Saturday morning scrimmage for Pirates. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

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In pictures: Saturday morning scrimmage for Pirates

Beth Jones
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
The Fernandina Beach High School football team scrimmaged Saturday morning as the Pirates prepare for the kickoff of the 2023 season. FBHS hosts Hilliard Aug. 18 in a preseason Kickoff Classic. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The regular season kicks off Aug. 25 at home with Providence.
Last year, team Good Problem weighed in the largest kingfish at 51.3 pounds for first-place honors and a check for $7,500. Pictured are, from left, Brad Ecklof, Ben Langley and daughter Sadi, Taj Delong, boat captain James Powell and Joe Lassiter. Photo by Terry Lacoss/Special

Last year, team Good Problem weighed in the largest kingfish at 51.3 pounds for first-place honors and a check for $7,500. Pictured are, from left, Brad Ecklof, Ben Langley and daughter Sadi, Taj Delong, boat captain James Powell and Joe Lassiter. Photo by Terry Lacoss/Special

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Kingfish tourney turns 40

Beth Jones
Sunday, August 6, 2023
The 40th Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo, hosted by the Nassau Sport Fishing Association, will be held Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. It is sanctioned by the Southern Kingfish Association as part of its 2023 Tournament Trail national championship series.
Scotty Mason, longtime coach and trainer, is offering basketball training at Peck Gym for girls and boys ages 8-18. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Scotty Mason, longtime coach and trainer, is offering basketball training at Peck Gym for girls and boys ages 8-18. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

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Players can hone hoops skills with Mason

Beth Jones
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Basketball has taken him around the world, but Scotty Mason has put down stakes on Amelia Island and is sharing his wealth of knowledge of the sport he loves. Mason, 53, grew up in Memphis and played against former pro and current coach Penny Hardaway. “Penny and I are good friends,” Mason said.
Sixth race of season for sailing club. Submitted photo

Sixth race of season for sailing club. Submitted photo

Sixth race of season for sailing club

Beth Jones
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Saturday was an unexpectedly marvel-ous day for the Amelia Island Sailing Club’s sixth sailboat race of the 2023 season. With temperatures on land approaching  or exceeding 100 degrees for more than a week, with little or no wind, the sailors were expecting a real drifter and baking in the hot sun.
Tournament time at Peck gym. Photos by Beth Jones

Tournament time at Peck gym. Photos by Beth Jones

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In pictures: Tournament time at Peck gym

Beth Jones
Friday, July 21, 2023
The city of Fernandina Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s summer adult basketball league will culminate next week. The tournament got under way Monday, and games were played Wednesday at Peck Gym. Play continues Monday and Wednesday, with the championship game slated for 7 p.m. Thursday.
Matt Hampton, Greg Cook, Bill Fassbender and Pam Cook, from left, are pictured with a big red snapper and kingfish catch. Photo by Terry Lacoss

Matt Hampton, Greg Cook, Bill Fassbender and Pam Cook, from left, are pictured with a big red snapper and kingfish catch. Photo by Terry Lacoss

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Rock ledge snapper

Guest Columnist
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Having fished offshore of Northeast Florida for several fishing seasons now, I have learned the difference between a small fish bite and a large fish bite, particularly when deep water bottom fishing.