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Hello From Wachapreague!
As many of you already know, I closed The Island House as of December 30th, 2025. We do not yet have it on the market, but we are cleaning, repairing and preparing to hopefully list it soon. As we rolled into the 4th quarter last year, it was clear to me that I wanted to pivot and do something else. As I turn 50 next week, I have come to the realization that now is the best time to make that pivot. THANK YOU ALL so very much for 15 incredible years of supporting both the Capt. Zed’s Flounder Tournament and the restaurant!
Now for the exciting part! After much discussion, Debbie has agreed to host and run the flounder tournament again as we bridge the gap between my ownership and whomever buys the restaurant. Nobody knows the tournament better than Debbie, and she has done a fantastic job while under my ownership the last 15 years. I believe we are leaving the tournament better than we found it (not that it was bad!) and the registrations over the last 5 years in particular show us you all have enjoyed it as well. Thank you, Debbie, for your willingness to keep the Capt. Zed’s Flounder Tournament tradition alive!
Now- for what has changed. Or maybe better yet, what hasn’t. The prizes and awards will continue to be the same as in years past with two exceptions: the local award will now receive a $150 gift card to Seahawk Sports Center vice The Island House. Thank you, Matt, for the support and donation! Also, Chris & Nikki from The Wachapreague Inn have INCREASED their donation to a $500 Wachapreague Inn Gift Certificate from $250. As such, we have also increased third place from $500 to $650. You can see the breakdown of all the prizes on the front side of your application.
Now… to the changes. The intent is to still do weigh-ins at the Trident Tackle building in front of the Island House as long as there are no ownership transfers which don’t allow it or don’t want to be involved with the tournament between now and the tournament. In that event, weigh-ins will be held at the harbormaster’s building down at the town boat ramp. Also of note, weigh-ins will end at 6pm each day instead of 7pm. Trident Tackle will also not have minnows or gas for sale, although Sandie will be selling minnows down at the Harbormaster’s building. Because The Island House under my ownership is no longer in operation, we will not be hosting the cookout unless we get 300 or more entrants as we will have to hire a caterer to do the cooking. Last year we had over 400 people in the tournament so we are hopeful this won’t be an issue.
One last thing to be aware of is that all entries must be received at least one week before the event if the entrants want to receive a t-shirt. We will not be reordering shirts for those who register at the last minute, so please make sure to get those applications in at least a week before the tournament starts.
For further questions on boat slip availability or other concerns contact Debbie at 757-710-2817. We, along with the other businesses in Wachapreague are so very happy to be able to host the flounder tournament again this year and we appreciate your participation!