The 17^th Annual Johnson Invitational Flats Fishing Tournament was held at Port Richey . The Proceeds went to Benefit the American Cancer Society. There were 52 teams competing in the 17th Annual JI. Everyone had a timely registration and looked forward to awarding over $8,000 in cash prizes. They anticipated donating over $10,000 to the American Cancer Society. The captains' meeting was Friday, April 13th at 7:00. The weigh-in was at 4:00pm on Saturday, April 14th. Both events took place at Hooters of Port Richey.

The Proceeds Goal was $5,000, and they exceeded that by raising $12,310. The Johnson Invitational started in March of 2003. That same year Carissa and Jerry Johnson got married, and Jerry decided to forgo the typical bachelor party and just wanted to fish with his buddies. Seven boats participated in the first event in 2003. They joked around that year and called it the "Johnson Invitational" and the name just stuck. In 2008 they decided to turn it into a charity event benefitting the American Cancer Society after 2 close relatives lost their battle to Cancer. Every year they continue to grow in the number of boats that participate. This year they had 52 boats and will have raised $12,310 in the fight against cancer.

From the Johnson Invitational, “As we wrap up the 17th Annual Johnson Invitational, we want to acknowledge some of those that helped support and make this tournament happen. Thanks to Hooters of Port Richey for again hosting the event and providing such an awesome buffet for the captains' meeting. Thanks to our title sponsors, Live to Fish, Power-Pole Total Boat Control and Dorado Boats for their generosity. Thanks to the following for donating silent auction items: Weikert Ford Inc. Meares Plumbing, Antonietti Marine Coast II Coast Marine KICKER #blueislandgraphics Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort Greg DeVault Taylor McCullough

Thanks again to DSC Sales for the sunscreen. Thanks to the many others that donated items for the raffle SouthernKeeps Wild Liberty Design Co. Living Life In The Sun Fla Castaway Restored Purpose Quality T-Tops & Boat Accessories Inc. Salty Addict #theramsden CBT Woodworks BCMF Armed Anglers Lea Szymanski Stoli Vodka Sunshine State Bobby McCutcheon #thenwm #knotlevelwoodworks #see_rags #theperfectlysimplle Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club Fox Hollow Golf Club

Finally, thanks to everyone that fished the tournament or joined us at Hooters. Because of you, we were able to pay out over $8,500 in cash prizes and more importantly raise over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society!

Congratulations to the following teams...

First Place Slam - David Miller Jason Miller Daniel Miller & David Miller Sr

Second Place Slam - Brian Mathey George Gaubatz

Third Place Slam - Robert Rondos Sean Riley Billy Davis Steven P. Bergren

First Place Red - Kyle Straussner & Cherokee Hagans

Second Place Red - Chuck Sherwood, Trevor Drew & Rich Bernett

Third Place Red - Brittany Brown-Burbach William Burbach Eric Pelno Channing Pelno

First Place Trout - Kyle Mitchell Kevin O'Connor Willam Mosley

Second Place Trout - James Bote Katrina Horton, Brian Letourneau, Trey Wells

Third Place Trout - Tom Briese, Tom Briese Sr, Dakota Negersmith & Dan Keith

Third Place Trout - Bob Marinelli Joe Savino Gregg Steinbach & Mike Hyde

Looking forward to seeing everyone next year!!

Jerry Johnson Carissa Johnson Michelle Villano Johnson Gina Johnson-Moe Maureen Marinelli Johnson”