 One of the colorful boats sporting murals on it's tail fins.
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Sporting a rainbow of colors, and massive engines that seemed to disturb the air before they were even fired up, the airboats arrived at the Cedar Key Marina for the Annual GTO Performance Saltwater Fishing Tournament. This is the fifth year for the tournament, and the third time it has been held in Cedar Key. The tournament's promoters like the friendly atmosphere and challenging conditions of fishing in Cedar Key.  This boat's color must let it really sneak up on those fish!
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The event drew sixty-three boats from across Florida, and even a few from Georgia. With weather conditions that were less than favorable, it was a real challenge for the anglers to haul in those prizewinning reds and trout.  The GTO Performance Team gets ready to announce the winners.
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The tournament was developed by Norman Clifton III, owner of GTO Performance Airboats of Ocala, and offered a total prize purse of over $11,000.00. Awards were given in three categories, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in each category. There were also drawings for gifts donated by the event's sponsors (listed below). First Place Winners in each category were: Largest Trout Boat #30 from Williston manned by Richard Cohoon Sr., Dale Buffenmyer and Todd Kelly; weighing in at 3.16 lbs. Largest Red Boat #8 from Williston, manned by Kenny Reese, Joe Penny and John Hodges; weighing in at 7.72 lbs. Largest Combination Catch Boat # 37 from Anthony, manned by Nathan Booth and Kenny Davis; weighing in at 19.95 lbs. Congratulations to all the winners! (Sponsors of the event were: Airboat World Magazine, Airboat Drive Units, Inc., Braymens Powder Coating, Gates Bait & Tackle, Sensenich Propellers, Stinger Gear Boxes, Park Place Motel of Cedar Key, Wilcox Construction, Ford of Ocala, Fastenal Company and B&S Trailers) For additional information on future tournaments or Performance Airboats log onto their website at: www.gtoairboats.com or Email at info@gto-airboats.com |