The First Annual Flatsmasters
Junior Angler Tournament
Presented by AmJak Enterprises & Southwest Structural

The Flatsmasters Junior Angler tournament held on August 27 was a huge success. A total of 82 kids participated in our first ever youth event. The tournament kicked off on Friday night with The Rules Meeting and Angler’s Dinner. At the meeting each youth angler received a hat, t shirt, rod/reel combo, and a tackle box full of goodies. In addition, the adult “captains” received a hat and t shirt for their efforts. The kids also drew their starting numbers for the morning of the tournament. The “Sloppy Joe” dinner was well received by the hungry crowd of junior anglers!

Sunday morning, 6:00am, Junior Anglers and their captains started checking in at the Harpoon Harry’s Dock. They were greeted by coffee, juice, and donuts to help get the day started. Before heading to their boats, all anglers received a snack bag and bottled water to help get them through the day. Anticipation was high as boats lined up for the start. At 7:00am the first boat was released and one by one all 82 kids sped off to their first fishing spot.

The scales opened at 11:00am with a few tired competitors weighing in early. But by 2:00pm, a good line had formed at the dock as all the anglers anxiously waited their turn at the scales. All the kids were proud of the redfish, no matter what the size and proudly held them up for pictures. 

The Flatsmasters TV Production crew was there filming the weigh in for a future Flatsmasters TV Show. Once all the teams weighed in, it was back inside Harpoon Harry’s for Hot Dogs and Hamburgers and to wait for the official results and Award Ceremony.

The Official Flatsmasters Junior Angler Tournament Award Ceremony commenced on The Harpoon Harry’s Stage with a quick thank you to all our sponsors. Then EVERY participant was called up to the stage to pick up their bronze redfish trophy presented by Ingman Marine. After all the anglers received their trophies, it was on to the top ten awards in each division. The Minnow Division was first, as each of the top 10 anglers was called up to receive their Custom Flatsmasters Plaque and Okuma Rod and Reel. The final awards of the day were presented to The Junior Division. The competition was tough as many quality redfish were caught in the division. Each Junior Angler received a bronze tailing redfish trophy, an Okuma Rod & Reel, and a savings bond for the future.

Everyone had a great time, and we look forward to our 2007 Junior Tournament.

Through the Flatsmasters Junior Angler Tournament, The Flatsmasters has established a Flatsmasters Scholarship Program at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda.  
The $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to a CHS graduating senior pursuing studies in marine biology or fisheries management. As a bonus, Sam’s Club has agreed to match the scholarship to now make the Flatsmasters Scholarship $3,000!!!

We want to thank everyone involved with the Junior Flatsmasters including Sponsors, Captains and adults who volunteered their time and most of all to the kids who participated. Thanks and see you again next year!!!