First place in the Salty Feather Slam went to Ken Martin, 43, of Jacksonville with a 24.5" Red and a 17.25" trout. Although Ken has been fishing in kayaks for 4 years, it was his first fishing tournament ever and he prevailed over many experienced fisherman including several local guides.

The StrikeZone Fishing Biggest Trout was won by 33-year-old Jacksonville-native Ryan Jones. His winning 23" trout was caught with live shrimp on a float rig.

The StrikeZone Biggest Red was won by 26 year old Jon Ward of Riverview, FL with a 27" red. In a "Hardcore Fishing Moment" Jon prefished for the tournament during the Times-Union Spot Tourney last week by departing Tampa at 3am, driving to Jacksonville, fishing from 7:30am to 4pm, then driving back to Tampa that night after catching a 6 spot 25" red and a 31" red. He returned to his prefishing site and hooked his winning 27" red with a spinner bait.

The Mystery Fish award was won by Francisco Canales of Jacksonville with his "Mystery Slam" of a 21" black drum, a 21" sheepshead, and an eel. Matt Adams of Jacksonville won the grand prize Strike Zone Malibu X-Factor Kayak.

Participation in the event far exceeded tournament director Mike Kogan"s expectations. "We originally were hoping for 30-45 anglers. When we got up to 80 registered fisherman we were blown away. With the impending tough weather we expected many of the entrants to cancel, but we ended up having another 20+ register at the captain's meeting to take us to 100 anglers."

Net proceeds from the event are being donated to Daniel and Dignity U Wear. The tournament also supported the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida by garnering 44 new CCA members and sponsoring their membership.

JaxKayakFishing is planning several more events for 2005, including an offshore tourney in the summer and another inshore tourney in the fall.

StrikeZone Fishing Biggest Redfish
1st - Jon Ward 27"
2nd - Don Hudson 26"
3rd - John Syljebeck 25.5"

StrikeZone Fishing Biggest Trout
1st - Ryan Jones 23"
2nd - Scott Andrews 19"
3rd - Steve Totten 18.5"

StrikeZone Fishing Mystery Fish Award
Francisco Canales - Eel, 21" Black Drum, 21" Sheepshead

Hoosier Paddler's Best Dang Tackle Box
Sean Kobylarz

StrikeZone Fishing Malibu X-Factor Raffle Grand Prize
Matt Adams

Sponsors: Strike Zone Fishing, The Salty Feather, Thrifty Outdoors, Black Creek Outfitters, All Wet Sports, Ft. George Island Surf Shop, Cannon's Bait&Tackle, Malibu Kayaks, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Spider, Fenwick, TBS Jigs, Captain Dick Enterprises, Outfitter's Mapping, Costa Del Mar, Creative Feathers Studio, Florida Kayak Fishing, The Outdoors Show, Bull Frog Sunblock, Fishing Connection, Onshore-Offshore Magazine, Great Atlantic Outfitters, and Angie's Subs.