Stimulus not needed for Grove SLAM!

May 2, 2009 – Coconut Grove, FL - The “World’s Funnest Fishing Tournament” lived up to its name.  166 boats competed for over $35,000 in prize money and bragging rights.  Teams came from across the state including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Sarasota, and Fort Myers.  Boats ranged from 16’ to 61’ and everything in between.  The SLAM! is not only known for its size, but also for its incredible parties. 

The Thursday night luau was a jam packed affair.  The food was plentiful and the Bacardi flowed. And for the first time ever, the anglers tapped out the bar. That’s right, the bar ran out of every Bacardi flavor they has and scotch.  This was a first. 

Conditions for Saturday’s fishing were perfect. S, SE winds at 10-15 gave teams just enough wind to keep fish close.  And with 166 boats, not many fish had a chance, but the reports were not as favorable.  Several teams came back to the Monty’s dock early report little or no action.  At the time the dock party started 20 teams had already returned with no catch.  As the day progressed the crowd learned that the fishing was hot.  Team after team brought up nice sized dolphin with plenty over 40 pounds.  In the end it was the team on “Bill Collector” with the top fish at 45 pounds worth $5,000.  The heaviest combined weight was posted by “Priceless” with 94.7 pounds. “Priceless” took home over $26,000 for their efforts.