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Outdoors
Captain's Corner
The 42nd annual spearfishing tournament scheduled for Aug. 17-19 in St. Petersburg.
By BILL HARDMAN
Published August 11, 2007
What's hot: The 42nd annual St. Pete Open, "the world's largest spearfishing tournament," is scheduled for Aug. 17-19 at the Holiday Inn SunSpree in St. Petersburg. Tournament records are impressive: grouper, 111.5 pounds, Gary Zumwalt, 1991; hogfish, 21.2 pounds, James Zellmer, 2001; amberjack, 94.9 pounds, Rick Hampton, 2006; snapper, 55.4 pounds, Ken Jones, 2004; lobster, 12.3 pounds, Scott Willner, 1992; sheepshead, 11.64, pounds, Ritchie Zacker, 2006; triggerfish, 10.4 pounds, Bob Elser Sr., 1997.
To participate: Get a registration and waiver form at www.stpeteopen. com. Many divers are under the mistaken impression this is a tournament just for those who have long-range boats. There are three categories, however, that can be won in shallow waters: Big lobsters, sheepshead and cobia can all be harvested from the bays, ledges and wrecks in depths less than 50 feet. Also, there are special division trophies for women, juniors and free diver.
Be a spectator: The best time to join the fun, see the divers' catches and pick up a T-shirt is 6-10 p.m. Saturday.
Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg. Call 727 344-3483 or e-mail
For">bill@aodive.com.
For today's tides chart, see the weather package on 2A, or online at outdoors.tampabay.com.
[Last modified August 10, 2007, 23:49:28]
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