A record 458 boats along with 150 Junior Anglers participated in the 13th annual El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament Saturday.  228 Sheepshead totaling over 1,250 pounds were brought to the scales in both categories.  Claiming top honors in the general division was A.J. Proescher of Jacksonville.  A.J. brought in an 11.7 lb. fish and took home a 2013 Carolina Skiff JVX18 center console boat with a 60 hp Mercury motor along with a number of other prizes.  Clinton Milstead took 2nd place with an 11.3 lb. fish netting him a Carolina Skiff J-1650 with a 30 hp Mercury.  3rd place winner Alton Robey took home a 15’ Gheenoe with a 9.9 hp motor for his 10.7 lb. fish.  Ben VonOhlen won a 2 seat kayak, a stand-up paddle board, and a soft sided cooler with his 4th place fish of 10.7 lbs.  5th  through 15th place winners received cash and merchandise payouts.
     In the Junior Division, Dylan Koller hauled in an 8.6 lb. Sheepshead for first place winning him a rod & reel combo, gift cards from In River or Ocean, Academy Sports, a pair of Ocean Waves Sunglasses, an etched glass trophy, and numerous other prizes.  Junior Anglers were awarded through 15th place.
The El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament, one of the largest fishing tournaments in the United States, and the largest Sheepshead Tournament in the world, is held annually during the last weekend in February.  The event is hosted by the Jacksonville Offshore Sport Fishing Club.  The tournament is made possible by over 100 sponsors in the local fishing and business community.  In addition to supporting the J.O.S.F.C. and it’s community service efforts, a portion of each year’s proceeds goes to a local charity or non-profit organization.  For more information, please visit www.jaxfish.com, and for even more pictures, search Facebook for El Cheapo.