Troy Pruitt of Naples, Fla., ended the 2007 Mercury Southernmost Light-Tackle Anglers Masters (S.L.A.M.) tournament just as he did the 2006 S.L.A.M. -- by taking home the title of grand champion angler when the challenge concluded Sunday, Sept. 9.
Pruitt scored a slam, signifying the release of a tarpon, permit and bonefish, on his way to accumulating 1,250 points for his prowess in capturing the three species.
"Going into today, we really had to catch a lot of fish -- and we did," said Pruitt of Sunday's accomplishment. "We had five bonefish by about 8:30 or 9 [a.m.], so we were in good condition."
The repeat champion gave much of the credit for his win to his guide, Captain Rich Tudor of Islamorada, Fla.
"Rich really found the fish," Pruitt said. "He knows the water so well and he really is a great, great guide."
Pruitt and fellow Naples angler Jeff Ball just missed earning the team championship. Though they racked up 1,900 points, Ball was unable to deliver the slam required of each champion team member. The duo was named runner-up team.
Top team honors instead went to Mo Smith of Memphis, Tenn., and Frank Delucas of Davie, Fla., who were guided by Mark Krowka of Islamorada. Their 1,100 points lagged far behind Pruitt and Ball's, but each released a slam.
In addition, Smith earned the award for most permit releases with three.
Linda Denkert of Tavernier, Fla., was named ladies' champion. A veteran competitor who also took the woman's championship in 2006, Denkert earned 1,000 points fishing with her husband, Captain Dave Denkert.
Celebrity grand champion was Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs.
Notable catches included a 45-pound permit boated by Jeremy Baucher of Titusville, Fla.
The popular S.L.A.M. tournament attracted 58 anglers who released 44 tarpon, 45 bonefish and 24 permit.
The tournament is the first in an annual Florida Keys autumn trilogy of Mercury Redbone angling challenges that raise money for the fight against cystic fibrosis. The series continues with the annual Mercury Baybone Celebrity Tournament at Key Largo, scheduled Sept. 28-30 and targeting bonefish and permit. The annual Mercury/Cheeca Redbone Celebrity Tournament, targeting redfish and bonefish, is set for Nov. 2-4 at Islamorada.
