2003 Results and Summary (click here for a PDF full report and summary)
The day started out with one of the most exciting events in fishing, a Bimini Start (shotgun start). With 109 boats in the water and two helicopters in the air, everyone's heart was pounding. The boats pushed their throttles down as the day started and the second annual Grove SLAM! was underway. Fishing throughout the region was slow, but sporadic reports of catches kept everyone on their toes; waiting for their chance at a big one. As lines-out time grew nearer, hope was fleeting for many of the over 400 anglers, but not for the team on "Legal Limit." Outfitted with a brand new 34-foot Sea Vee, team captain Alexis Izquierdo kept trying everything he knew. As 2-o'clock rolled around, he instructed his crew to set the lines out. The area looked promising and they were going to troll for next hour. A few minutes later, their reels screamed and they landed what ended up being a pair of $6,000.00 dolphin (mahi mahi). Another Sea Vee, the triple Mercury-powered 34-foot "Top Vee" took second place and was captained by Ariel Pared. With a slow fishing day, many anglers opted to head in for the now-famous Grove SLAM! Dock Party. There was free food provided by Cafe Tu Tu Tango and open bars provided by Budweiser and Bacardi. There was something for everyone to do as the party continued on into the evening. The second annual Miss HotFish Bikini Contest really got the crowd going as this new tradition took center stage. Some of the contestants were models, others were recruited away from their Bacardi duties, some came from the crowd, and even a few of Heavee's Honee's got into the fun. In addition to all of the fun on and off stage, there was a purpose to this whole endeavor. Shake-a-Leg Miami is a sailing and watersports program for the handicapped and underprivileged children. Proceeds from this tournament along with 24 rod and reel combos are going toward starting a new fishing program at the Shake-a-Leg facility. A check for $2,000.00 was presented to Ashley Sullivan of Shake-a-Leg.