Perry, Florida will be the site of the initial leg of the upstart Speckled Trout USA series. It’s the first “nationally recognized” seatrout tournament series, tournament organizers say. The tournament idea sprung from the immense popularity of seatrout among Texas, Louisiana and Florida anglers. Most of the fishing locations will center on Florida’s east and west coasts.

The first tournament will take place at Perry, Florida Nov. 1 and 2. Day one weigh-in is at Keaton Beach Marina and Day 2 weigh-in at Sea Hag Marina at Steinhatchee.

Tournament rules are simple. There’s a three-trout limit for each day of weigh-in. Tournaments are to be fished individually, but as many as five separate fishermen can fish from a single boat. Fishermen can launch from different locations on tournament day. Guaranteed purse is $10,000 in cash and prizes; $75 entry fee to enter. There’s also a $500 award for largest trout and redfish. Polygraph tests will be given at random to prevent cheating.

Scheduled tournaments for 2009 include Jacksonville, Panama City Beach and Orange, Alabama. Proceeds from the tournament will be earmarked for the Outdoor Kids Scholarship Fund. To find out more information or to sign up, visit www.speckledtroutusa.com.