The Flatsmasters Redfish Series returns to Punta Gorda for it's 11th season on March 10th. This is the most popular inshore series in Florida. In 2011, over 85 different teams competed in the Charlotte Harbor Redfish Series. Once again Maverick Boats, Yamaha Outboards, and Ingman Marine will provide the Championship Prize of a 21' Cobia bayboat with F150 Yamaha engine valued at $30,000. Thanks to new sponsors, Bob's Machine Shop and Power Pole, the Cobia championship boat will be equipped with a Jack Plate and Power Pole for the winners!
The Tampa Bay Redfish Series enjoyed an exciting inaugural season in 2011 with 35 different teams competing at the Hula Bay Club-Tampa Harbour Marina location. Look for the competition to increase in Tampa in 2012 as "The word is out" about the Flatsmasters Redfish Series and the Participation, Prize Money, and Excitement are all sure to be on the rise this year!
Only a couple of small changes to the format are in store for 2012 Redfish Series teams, The entry fees were increased from $250 to $280 for the qualifying events, while The Championship entry fee was lowered from $500 last year to $280 this year. So all events for the season are $280 per team to enter. The state of Florida has mandated that we now charge state sales tax on all entry fees, WHICH BRINGS THE TOTAL COST PER EVENT TO $300.
The only other change for the 2012 Redfish Series is that the Championship Tournaments for both Tampa and Punta Gorda will be 2 day events with the winner determined by a total of 4 redfish!
The groundbreaking ELITE PRO REDFISH TOUR was a big success in it's first season last year with 28 different teams competing in the five event tour. With venues at the Hula Bay Club/Tampa Harbour Marina in Tampa, Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda, and Championship host- Marina Jack's in Sarasota teams got to experience the very best in west coast redfishing! Team Fresh from Florida/GulfSafe earned the very first $20,000 Championship check for the Elite Tour!
For 2012, The Elite Pro RedfishTour is back and better than ever, thanks to our Title Sponsor- Service ProviderGroup, we will again be offering a $20,000 GUARANTEED GRAND PRIZE FOR THE ELITE CHAMPIONSHIP! The entry fees will remain the same for 2012 at $600 per event per team including the Championship and there will be state sales tax of $42 added to each entry fee for a total of $642 per event.
The big change for the 2012 Elite Pro Redfish Tour is that the teams will now consist of two anglers. This was done to align the Elite format with other pro tours and to increase the quality of our television program, anglers will now get more exposure and be able to present themselves and their sponsors in a more efficient and professional manner. There are no other changes, wading will remain a part of the Elite as wading has a deep history with all Flatsmasters tournaments over the years.
Finally, The Elite Pro Redfish Television Show is almost complete with final editing being done in the next few weeks. the complete television schedule will be posted online as soon as it's available.
