VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.

On Saturday, December 12th, Captain Greg Nunn won the Mercury/American Striper Association Angler of the Year in the tightest point’s race in ASA history. Winning by a margin of 1.05 pounds, Team Hapi Daze from Hillsborough, New Jersey edged out Captain Bryan Pieros and his Team Michael’s Bait and Tackle. Coming off a very hot fishing streak, Captain Pieros had won the ASA’s North Division and three of the last four ASA tournaments and held a 6.05 pound lead heading into the  final ASA event of 2009, the Virginia Beach Striped Bass National. This is the 2nd Angler of the Year title for Team Hapi Daze. In 2006 Greg’s father Rick won the Angler of the Year title. The 2009 Lady Angler of the Year title went to Mary Inman fishing with Team Big Dog. The 2009 Jr. Angler of the Year title will be shared by Ann & Sydney Unsworth and Connor Rowe fishing aboard Team Mod Squad. Additional awards were handed out to Clark and Merritt Sibley fishing with Team Marlin Maniac for the North Division Jr Anglers .

The Virginia Beach Striped Bass National Tournament Champion was Captain Ken Zwirko on Team Bunker Down. Ken’s 41 pound Striper held off Captain Max King’s Team Affliction II 40.50 pounder. 3rd place with a 40.05 pound striper was Captain Alden Thornton on Team A Team. Crew member Nick Ambrose won the tournaments Jr. Angler award. With a 39.70 pound Striper, 4th place went to Captain Jamie Judy of Team Amazing Grace. Crew member Ashby Judy won the Lady Angler award as well. And rounding out 5th place the Virginia Beach National was Captain Jake Harris aboard Team Handy Man with a 37.70 total.

Complete results for the Mercury/ASA Striped Bass Series and Virginia Beach National are available at www.fishasa.com.