Destin, FL - A payout of $26,730 went to 7 winning fishing teams participating in the 3^rd Annual Destin Swordfish Shootout, sponsored by Hydra-Sports and Legendary Marine, which concluded today.

The crew of "Only Way" out of Destin, FL, captained by Kurt Gwin, brought home the big bucks, with $7111 for first place in the 35 ft. and under division and - as the smallest boat in the fleet - top prize for the biggest fish that weighed in at 224.1lbs

Second and third in the biggest dollars earned went to crews of "Tiger" and "Moveable Feast" who were just $39 apart at $5985 and $5946, respectively. Tiger, of Panama City, FL captained by Tim Nichols, took first place overall while Moveable Feast, the previous event's winner from Destin, FL captained by Tommy Braden, took third in the overall division and won multiple calcuttas.

Other winners include "Green Flash" of Panama City, FL who took 1^st and 2^nd in the Wahoo category, 4^th overall and multiple calcuttas, and "Gear Up III" of Shalimar, FL who took 2^nd in Dorado and 5^th overall. The "Emerald Grande" of Destin, FL, captained by Mike Tokheim, took first in the Dorado, while "Hot Stuff" of Destin, FL won the Release category.

"This was a great event, the competition was fierce, and nine swordfish were landed, along with several wahoo and dolphin," said Captain Erik Anderson, tournament director. "We had great weather for fishing, 20 teams competing, and great mix of outstanding sponsors supporting the tournament. We're continuing to build momentum for this event and congratulate all of our winners in this year's competition."

Rick Ryals, host of the Florida Sportsman Radio Network, served as the guest emcee, and the event's special raffle beneficiary was the Destin History and Fishing Museum. In addition to Hydra-Sport and Legendary Marine, additional event sponsors included J & M Tackle, Lindgren - Pitman, Hydro Glow, Emerald Grande, HarborWalk Marina, HarborWalk Village, Preston Hood Chevrolet, Baitmasters, Harry T's, In The Bite, Florida Sportfishing, Florida Sportsman, Half Hitch Tackle, Roffs, The Art Dept. Inc., Rutherford's, Paradise Lines, Emerald Seas Magazine and H&D Action Photography.   

 

Boat: Only Way. Images are available for reproduction. Photo credit: HD Action Photography     Boat: Tiger Images are available for reproduction. Photo credit: HD Action Photography

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