Haulover Inlet action at the Kingfish Masters tournament in Miami over the weekend of March 30-31.

March 30, 2008, Miami, Florida - The second installment of the Yamaha Contender Kingfish Masters attracted 86 teams from across the state. Hopes were high, and the weather was cooperating for the event.

The first day saw sporadic fishing with only 32 teams weighing fish, but what was lacking in quantity was made up by quality. “Twin Vee” took the early lead with their 42.61-pounder. They were closely followed by 4 teams all within 5 pounds.

On Sunday, the action was much better as teams reported plenty of catches, but nothing that could overtake the 43-pound mark. That soon would change as rumors of a “really big” kingfish started making their way to the weigh-station. Several teams weighed fish in the 39-40 pound range, but “Twin Vee’s” lead was holding on. Then “Native Son” lugged their overstuffed fish bag to the scales and pulled out a 44-pound monster. Their celebration would be short-lived. Although they overtook first place, there was still time on the clock.

“Dream Team,” a local Miami crew fishing on their 27 Contender was rumored to have something really nice on their boat. Somehow rumors made it from the open ocean back to the dock so everyone was anticipating a big fish. When they finally pulled the fish out of their boat and up to the scales, everyone realized how big it really was. The fish literally tipped the scales at 59.96 pounds! This was their biggest kingfish ever and the second largest taken on the SKA trail this year.

“We were fishing kites and live gogs all day,” explained Ivan Souto. “Then this monster skyrockets on our long bait and we knew we had something big.” His crew worked the boat and gaffed the fish just 20 minutes later. The fish was good enough to win 1st place and a brand new Yamaha-powered 21 foot Contender boat. Second place was taken by Art Sapp’s “Native Son” with 44.22 pounds. “Twin Vee” hung on to third with their 42.61-pounder. The Top Junior Angler went to Adam Lambeth on the Sundance Kid. The top Class of 23 boat was “Reel Slick” followed by “Reel Family.”

The full standings are available on KingfishMasters.com.

The winning crew of the Dream Team, a local Miami team on a 27 Contender, and their top place 59.96-pound kingfish.