The 2004 Southern Open Florida State Championship took place June 25, 26 and 27th at Catches Restaurant, located on the beautiful Cottee River in New Port Richey, Florida. Some of the top divers in the state competed in perfect conditions for excellent prizes and the right to be named “Florida State Champion” for 2004. For those that were there, the combination of great diving conditions, great venue and atmosphere, terrific prizes, and above all else, awesome people made for a memorable weekend. Every entrant won a great prize, and even every mystery ticket was a winner.

Several new records were set, including Paul Renner’s top score of 121 points to become the FSDA 2004 State Champion. Ritchie Zacker, who was close behind Paul with 109 points turned in a tournament record 21 lb Hogfish, and Dan Addison, who dove the East coast, claimed the Sheepshead record with 9.5 pound fish. 

A total of 15 trophies were awarded, including 5 to the best photographers. Jack Vasilaros was the top junior, and Ruth Kisco prevailed in the woman's division again. Art Pearson was also given an award for his 35 years of service to the Florida Skin Divers Association. Its people like him who have kept the organization strong for the past 52 years. Ray Odor also attended the event to keep his perfect record of never missing a tournament since he helped host the first one 42 years ago.

The Catches Restaurant venue turned out to be a great one. The scenery on the river was excellent, and the dock was very handy for offloading fish right at the weighin. Several hundred spectators enjoyed the show, and the air-conditioned room on the water added lots of atmosphere to the awards program on Sunday.

Freediver Rudolf Von Rensburg came all the way from South Africa and placed twenty second. Steve Monk came from as far west as California, Mark Labocetta was here from Virginia, and Don Barfield brought his son David all the way from Louisiana to dive the tournament. We were honored to have them all! We were also honored to have Josh Wedin, Glen Coppin who were on leave from the Air Force, and newly retired U.S. Army Capt. Hector Fernandez, who just returned from Afghanistan.

We had a terrific bunch of sponsors this year who wanted the tournament to do well, and thanks to them, we did. Be sure you support our awesome sponsors like they have supported us!