OKEECHOBEE — On Saturday, Feb. 10,  The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office and Glades County Sheriff’s Office held their third Annual  Hookin Specs  Tournament at Scott Driver Park on Lake Okeechobee.  The purpose and vision of this fishing tournament is to raise funds for Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches.

Proudly,  a donation of $5,000 was made this year on behalf of the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Noel Stephen, and Glades County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff David Hardin.

We would like to recognize our sponsors who generously give to help make this tournament such a success.    Also,  we thank all our First Responders and Military for their participation, and for helping get the 40 boats signed up for the tournament this year.  This was a great turnout, and we look forward to growing this tournament each year!  A special thank you to our tournament directors,  Captain Shannon Peterson,  Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office, and Lieutenant  Gary Johnson,  Glades County Sheriff’s Office. Together, they have directed a very successful tournament that has been enjoyed by many.

 Platinum Sponsors were:   AAA Radiator,  Oasis Management Systems. Inc., Alan Jay Fleet Sales,  Fast Break Bait and Tackle,  AG 98 Trailer Sales,  Supply Line,  Strictly Mobile,  BC Repair and Welding,  Scott Safety,  Quik Change Oil and Lube Service Center ,  Brad Gibson and ACC Crappie Stix,  East Coast Signs, and Shirts,  Custom Graphics & Signs, Inc 4Imprint,  Fish Razr

Gold Sponsors were:   Legend Moto,  HomeWAV,  CFMoto,  MudBuddy,  Garrards Bait and Tackle,  Perry Farms,  Ivan’s Body Shop

Silver Sponsors were:  Aherns,  Gator Glades,  Advanced Professional, Reads Uniforms,   Miller’s Central Air, Inc,   Hathaway Kennels

 Tournament winners were: Fifth place, Tim Higgins and Mark Hester, total weight 9.97lbs; gourth place,  Shane Altman and  Calvin King,  total weight  10.41; third Place,  Fred George and  Burt Nowak,  total weight  10.45 lbs; second place,  Jason Michael and  Danny Marsocci, total weight 10.82 lbs; and first place,  Brad Gibson and Ron Veale, total weight 11.56 lbs.

 Big Fish Winners were:   Three-way tie for first place Big Fish:  Fred George and Burt Nowak,  Dale Burchett and Larry Crossman, and Brad Gibson and Ron Veale all  with Big Fish weight of 1.80 lbs.