Sarah James Fulcher Redfish Tournament
This year’s Sarah James Fulcher Redfish Tournament, with August 9 as the one fishing day, once again had anglers focused on one goal—landing a trophy-class red drum, the kind that migrates into the Pamlico Sound as summer winds down.
Held annually in Cedar Island, NC, the Sarah James Fulcher Redfish Tournament honors the life and legacy of Sarah James Fulcher, a beloved Down East native whose love for the outdoors and radiant smile inspired an entire community.
This year’s top prize of $18,000 in the Level 3 Ramsey Big Bull division went to Team Bumpin Bottom, a youth-driven crew captained by Tommy Kirk, fishing out of Cedar Island. The team included Jackson Morton (who reeled in the winning fish), Owen and Aiden Kirk, and Charlie Howard. Kirk has fished every year of the Sarah Fulcher Redfish Tournament since its inception, but this was his first time taking home the overall title.
Kirk made a bold run—past Ocracoke and back inshore several miles to a spot he’d fished before and believed could hold a bigger drum. The northeast wind made conditions rough, with three-foot seas and limited bait visibility, but Kirk’s crew stuck to their plan. They fished primarily with cut mullet, supplemented by frozen menhaden from Taylor’s Fish House.
They had pre-fished the area Thursday evening and caught several mid-40-inch drum before dark, confirming Kirk’s hunch. On tournament day, the crew battled the waves until Jackson hooked the winning fish—a 46.38″ red drum—around 8:20 pm. Measuring the fish was a challenge in the conditions, but they got their photos and ran to Portsmouth Island to find cell service and submit the catch.
The ride back to Cedar Island took over an hour in heavy seas, and the crew didn’t arrive until about 10:30 pm. They weren’t expecting much—maybe a youth division placement—but were stunned to learn they’d won the entire tournament.
“It still feels surreal,” Kirk said. “I’ve fished this tournament every year, and never thought we’d win it all. My kids grew up with the kids who died in the plane crash. This tournament means a lot to us.”
Team Hook Up poses with their 46.13″ red drum, the fish that earned them second place in the 2025 Sarah James Fulcher Redfish Tournament. They found their fish behind Hatteras Island at around 8:20 pm.
The second-place prize of $7,450 in the Level 3 Ramsey Big Bull division was claimed by Team Hook Up, fishing aboard the 32-foot vessel captained by John Canning. Joining him were fellow Hatteras Harbor charter captains Wes Parker, Tim Hagerich, and Andy Krause.
They fished near Hatteras, picking up bait on the way to the area they planned to target, and started slow with a couple of smaller drum, a 39-inch and a 27-inch. However, just after 8:00 pm, the bite turned on. The crew landed a triple hookup, and their second-place fish—a 46.13″ red drum—came from that flurry. Several other drum followed, ranging from 41-46 inches. Their winning fish was caught around 8:20 pm.
The Sarah James Fulcher Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by eastern North Carolina natives. Through innovative fundraising, the foundation supports community-based projects that promote inclusive outdoor recreation and the growth of local programs. The Sarah James Fulcher Redfish Tournament is its flagship event, and more information can be found on their Facebook page and at www.sarahjamesfulcher.org.
