12-11-04 Well, I've been putting off writing this article for a few weeks now. What with the holidays and just trying to survive each day, it's been a difficult road so far. Several of you have e-mailed me and sent your deepest sympathies, and I can't thank you enough. I'll attach the letter we sent out along with the sponsor list. Everyone was so generous and helpful, I wouldn't know where to start thanking people. I would especially like to thank the guy who approached me about this tournament though, Marc Blackburn. At a time when life seemed completely black and meaningless, he gave me some purpose to help me get through these difficult times. Well, I'll quit rambling now. Here's the info. below, and if you have a few extra moments, pop over to Colton's Page and say hello. I still consider myself a parent, and he'll be my beautiful baby boy 'till the day I join him....Until Next Week, which I'll write about fishing next.....Capt. Jeff The tournament was a huge success! We had over 60 kids participate this year and 21 boats. Many kids had never had the opportunity to fish on the water before and every one caught something. Every kid went home a winner with a trophy, rod and reel, fishing line, tackle, t-shirt, full belly, a big smile and memories that will last a life time. The largest fish was a 160 pound lemon shark that won the inshore category, caught by John Callion 15 years old fishing on Silent Hunter. The largest offshore species was a 17 pound yellowfin tuna, caught by Anthony Polizzi 12 years old on Dauntless. Anthony had never been offshore fishing before. The largest fish in the catch and release category was a 100 pound Goliath Grouper, caught by Austin Locke 10 years old on Blue Waters. The lucky angler award went to Diamien Hafner 13 years old who caught a 26 pound barracuda that was 5 foot long on light spinning tackle on Just One More. Diamien had lived here for 9 years and had never been fishing on a boat before. There are pictures attached for each of these winners. Best fishing story went to Dan Hernandez age 13 as he hooked a mutton snapper that was eaten by a Goliath Grouper then spit back at him after a 15 minute fight on Outlaw. Best Hard Luck Story went to Stephanie Martinez age 16 for hanging in there all day catching tuna while being extremely sea sick. Stephanie threw up on offshore winner Anthony Polizzi which is why he wasn't wearing a T-shirt in his picture. Sponsors Burdines Waterfront Marina and Restaurant – tournament headquarters and all food preparation Winn Dixie – Main food sponsor for banquet Marine Bank – trophies Collectors corner – trophies Gemini Printing – trophies Rotary of Marathon – insurance and assistance putting together Fisherman’s Hospital – T-Shirts Walgreen’s – disposable cameras Islamorada Fishing Club – rods and reels for all kids World Class Angler – tackle for all kids Office Depot – flyer copies Captain Pips – boat for tournament Publix – food Party Store – balloons K-Mart – banquet supplies Barracuda Grill – prizes R & R Watersports – prizes Island T-Shirt Graphics Florida Keys Fishing Products – Chum The Stuffed Pig- prizes Charter and Private Boats that donated their time, fuel, bait and expertise: B.I.G. Time Linda Lou Bounty Hunter Mr. C Blue Waters Nautical Wheeler Blue Magic Outlaw Catch ‘Em All Peace of Mind Capt. Andy Wing Pursuit Dauntless Sandman Good One Silent Hunter Just One More