There's an electric atmosphere at the postgame party when your team wins. Tuesday night's awards party for the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Invitational Tournament definitely was a victory celebration. 

The Gasparilla Inn's Beach Club hosted the guides and their fishing guests and guide association president, Captain Cappy Joiner was master of ceremonies. The first order of business was officially announcing the top three finishers.

Captain Nat Italiano's "Spook" was the first place winner with a 108 pounder caught by Jim Sink of Waynesville, North Carolina. The boat won a number of prizes including trophies, a painting, sculptured tarpon and the winner's share of the prize money of $38,000.

The winner's name and year won is engraved on the trophy for all to see. Cash prize was $15,200.

Slow Monday Start

Monday's fishing started with the "lines down" call at precisely 2p.m. The media boat, a new 2,160 horsepower Hatteras 50 provided by Marine Max with Captain "Shep" Shepard, was stationed on the south side of the fishing fleet. Fishing was hindered by high winds and large amounts of floating moss. As the moss was being swept by the tide, clumps of it were caught on fishing lines and then simply rode down the lines to the baits and covered them. Tarpon won't eat veggies so the moss cost everyone time.

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