The purpose of the award is to promote integrity and sportsmanship in competitive fishing. The award, presented following each season to a member that best exemplifies sportsmanship and conducts themselves with a high degree of integrity, character and class.

When asked about the award Ferris said. “I was not expecting this honor. I only hope I will be able to continue my fishing career in reflection that this award
represents.”

Congratulations to the Mad Mouse Fishing Team for their impressive victory despite tough conditions. The seas were big, and the crew aboard the boat was small.

Unable to make the trip were team regulars, Sam Locklear and Monica Ferris. Despite their absence, both teammates were present in spirit. Sam’s wife had recently given birth to their son, Jackson, and Monica had college exams. This left team Captain Rob Ferris and Carl Carson, of the Hanson Group, to fish the event in Ferris’ new SC32.

“It was a true test of equipment this week,” said Captain Ferris. “We battled very large seas. Our gear, from the boat to the tackle, was put to the test. All, of which I might add, performed flawlessly”.

The team’s, and tournament’s, largest fish was landed on Saturday afternoon when Ferris punished the SKA’s scales with a 51.52 pound brute.

Ferris and the Mad Mouse team would like to thank their sponsors and supporters: SeaCraft Boats, Mercury Motors, Raymarine Electronics, EZ Loader Trailers, Cannon Downriggers, P-line, Spro Sports Professionals, Daiichi Bleeding Bait Hooks, and Bigfish Tools web design.

A special thanks and congratulations goes to the Liquid Fire Fishing Team aboard the new SeaCraft 23TE. Captain Mark Henderson, Chris Waters, Joshua Henderson and Crockett Henderson lead the team to top honors in the second tournament of the 2008 Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tour on the same weekend.