Anatomy of a Fly Fishing Tournament

Check out these photos from last year's Salty Fly Tournament in Tampa, Florida, the largest fly-only saltwater tourney in Florida. This year's event is set for February 22-24, out of the Little Harbor Resort in Ruskin, Florida.

By Sam Root
December 18, 2012
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Salty Fly 2012

When Sam Root first began the Salty Fly Tournament in 2011, he saw the potential. A fisherman, photographer and blogger by day, Root believed there was a void that could be filled with a relaxed, fly-fishing-only tournament in the greater Tampa area. Sponsors and participants flocked to the tournament, with boat brands such as Hells Bay jumping onboard. Root served as Tournament Director for the event and saw the success and camaraderie firsthand. Root is now in the final stages of planning for his third annual Salty Fly Tournament. For 2013, the Salty Fly will take place February 22-24, out of the Little Harbor Resort in Ruskin, Florida. Check out these behind the scenes photos from the 2012 tournament.
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Salty Fly 2012

Announcers gathered all the anglers before the tournament to go over rules and procedures.
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Salty Fly 2012

Hells Bay Boatworks brought along a couple boats for tournament participants to walk through and check out.
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Salty Fly 2012

Tournament trophies were a mix of redfish and seatrout, and fly reel.
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Salty Fly 2012

G-Loomis and Scott supplied some of the prizes, including these fly rod and reel setups.
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Salty Fly 2012

This mix of prizes and raffle items had anglers salivating, including skiff accessories from Wang Anchor and fly tackle from a number of manufacturers.
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Salty Fly 2012

Anglers big and small, young and old, were on hand to compete and participate.
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Salty Fly 2012

Lunch was served at Mama Iguana’s restaurant in Apollo Beach.
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Salty Fly 2012

Once fishing was over, it was time to start naming winners.
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Salty Fly 2012

Third place went to Team “20 Knots,” consisting of Leigh West (left) and Jay Wright.
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Salty Fly 2012

Second Place went to Team “Flats Hunter,” consisting of Alonzo Sotillo (left) and Frank Leto.
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Salty Fly 2012

Winning anglers received artwork as a part of their prizes.
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Salty Fly 2012

First place went to Team “Flatz Slobz,” consisting of Capt. Nick Angelo (left) and Capt. Bryon Chamberlin.
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Salty Fly 2012

Some of the top prizes included new fly rods and fly reels.
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Salty Fly 2012

Then it was time for the G.Loomis Skiff Casting Challenge. Crowds were drawn to the shoreline to see who was the most accurate caster, as 21 teams competed for the first-ever title.
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Salty Fly 2012

A judge had to stand in the water to watch as contestants cast at targets.
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Salty Fly 2012

Crews set up the targets before the contestants got to the water.
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Salty Fly 2012

This handheld meter was set up to measure the wind. It looked calm out there, but it wasn't!
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Salty Fly 2012

Crowds watched as casters competed.
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Salty Fly 2012

Even video was taken during the event.
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Salty Fly 2012

Winners received these trophies, as part of the G.Loomis Skiff Challenge.
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Salty Fly 2012

The top two crews (caster and poler) received trophies.
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Salty Fly 2012

Then it was time to announce the G. Loomis Skiff Challenge winners.
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Salty Fly 2012

The crystal trophies and two G.Looms NRX rods goes went to the champions of Capt. Colby Hane and Capt. Dave Chouinard.
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Salty Fly 2012

Second place went to Capt. Bryon Chamberlin and Capt. Nick Angelo.
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Salty Fly 212

At the end of the night, it was time to eat and party!

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