A Brief Tournament History

While celebrating the 15th Annual NCBBA Red Drum Tournament I thought some of you may appreciate some history. There are a number of folks who could fill in many more details to this brief history, but this is what I have come to learn.              

The tournament that immediately preceded Frank and Fran's Red Drum Tournament was the 15th Annual World Championship Red Drum Tournament. That event was founded by Joe Moore (One More Cast) and run by Joe and his wife until 1998. The first team division, “The Joe Moore Team Challenge,” was added in the 2018 tournament and has become very popular with 40+ teams participating in 2022.   Joe's tournament was headquartered at Frank and Fran's in 1998 so when Joe decided that the Moore family had other `business to address the time allocated for the three-day tournament was ceded to Frank Folb, who started Frank and Fran's Red Drum Tournament in 1999. Frank, Fran, and some of his crew ran the tournament until 2008 when they decided they would like to pass it on to others. At the time NCBBA had the opportunity to take over the event. With knowledge of the intense work required to manage such an event, the Board of Directors was generally opposed to step in and assume the responsibility. Given his extraordinary efforts, along with his commitment to accept all responsibility, David Joyner prevailed, and we officially had the first NCBBA Red Drum Tournament in 2009. Dave, with the help of his wife Joyce and some steadfast members, headed up tournament efforts until stepping down after the 2017, 9th Annual event.

David Flanigan was head judge with Bobby Halstead as his assistant for the first nine events. George Mood picked up the head judge mantle in 2017 and still carries it with Bobby remaining assistant as he has for every previous tournament. Tom Heggie, our Treasurer, continued to support the registration, headquarters and banquet functions as he has done for the last several tournaments. Carol Mowers is a fixture at the merchandize tables and in creation of this Tournament Book, along with Janice Regan. They are responsible for recent enhancements to the book as well acquiring new supporters with help from Director Tom Brueckner and Vice President Jay Dimig. We had over 20 member volunteers helping with such things as raffle sales, angler check in and late registration, banquet, and other tasks. We have reached out beyond the RDT committee for suggestions resulting in some changes such as the drive through check in, the new banquet venue at the Beach Klub at Koru in 2017 and the team division added in 2018. When Frank Folb sold his business to Heather and Tim James and Stephanie and Randy Bayne in 2016 the new owners graciously offered to continue to host Tournament headquarters where they have gone out of their way to make everyone welcome.

                A Tournament Committee took over the task of running the 10th annual event and has continued doing so ever since. This year Mike Regan act as the chairman, Al Adam will serve as acting Head Judge. Our project plan continues to be managed by Janice Regan. Tom Brueckner and Jay Dimig have key roles as does Carol Mowers and Gary Houchins. 

                Last, and by no means least, we need to thank the judges, sponsors, volunteers, supporters and you, our angler, in making the Tournament possible. The 2023 tournament  set new record for attendance bringing 455 anglers to our Hatteras Island beaches. Many have been with us since the beginning and hopefully will be with us for years to come. Thanks to all who are involved for the support and your suggestions for ways that we may improve what is already a terrific event.

                Al Adam, President, 13459