The 11^th Annual El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament began Saturday February 26 under perfect weather conditions. The water was calm and the tempature was in the low 60’s. By weigh-in time it was sunny in the mid 70’s with a light breeze, and some great catches were brought to the scales by both the Captains and Junior Anglers.

159 out of a tournament record 366 boats weighed in fish Saturday.  109 Junior anglers  participated, with 37 weighing in fish. 1st place winner Alan Hodges took home a beautiful Carolina Skiff JV15 with a 30 hp Mercury by weighing in a 10.7# Sheepshead.  Jeff Lageman took 2nd place with a 10.5# fish netting him a JV13 Carolina Skiff with a 15 hp Mercury.  3rd though 20th place received cash payouts.  1st place Junior Angler winner Jack Ogin Jr. hauled in a 7.4# Sheepshead winning him a Penn rod & reel combo, gift cards from Academy Sports, West Marine, a tackle box and numerous other prizes.  Prizes were awarded through 15th place for the junior anglers.

The El Cheapo Sheepshead  Tournament, one of the largest fishing tournaments in Florida, 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 fishing and local business community.  In addition to supporting the J.O.S.F.C. and it’s community service efforts,

Proceeds of the event support the Jacksonville Offshore Sport Fishing Club, and it’s endeavors in artificial reef management, fishing and boating education, and a portion of each year’s proceeds goes to a local charity or non-profit organization.