Boca Grande, Fla., May 18, 2008- The Miller High Life Professional Tarpon Tournament Series presented by Century Boats held Week #1 of it’s five week regular series events this past weekend in Boca Grande Pass, FL.  A sold out field of fifty four person teams competed in the three hour event which awarded a new Century 2102 Inshore powered by a Yamaha F150 four stroke motor and Continental Trailer for first prize.

Fishing conditions were less than ideal.  The full moon tides combined with a stiff West wind scattered the large schools of Tarpon that call Boca Grande Pass home during May and June.  During a normal PTTS event it is not uncommon for nearly one hundred hookups to occur.  This event saw nearly half that amount with only fifteen fish being leader released and six making it to the Tires Plus scale.

The slow bite and tough condition had little effect on the Salt Rock Grille/Pro Marine team led by 19 year old college student, Cody Chivas.  The team hooked a small fish within two minutes of lines in the water leadering it seven minutes later and recording the first release of the 2008 PTTS season.  “It was a small fish.  Around 100 Lbs.” Said Cody Chivas.  “We knew it would take a 150 or better so we let it go to try and get a bigger one” 

That decision paid off literally as thirty minutes later angler Grant Johnston hooked a larger fish.  “It didn’t come up right away.” Said Johnston.  “That usually means it’s a better fish.”  After nearly an hour long fight which saw two other team members fall into the water attempting to leader the fish, the fight ended with Cody gaffing the large Tarpon.

When the team reached the Winghouse Weighboat with no doubt it would be a contender for the win.  “I knew it was a good one.” Said Cody.  “We’ve weighed a number of fish the past five years fishing the PTTS and this was one of the biggest we has landed.”  Cody and his teams hunch was right as the fish tipped the Tires Plus scale at 168 Lbs.  Knocking Captain Ozzie Fischer and Team Yamaha F350/Century’s 148 lb. fish out of first in to second place where they would remain for the event.

With the victory and releasing the other fish Cody and Team Salt Rock Grille/Pro Marine took a commanding lead in the Yamaha Team of the Year Race with 618 points.

Rounding out the rest of the Top Five was Team Yamaha F350/Century led by Captain Ozzie Fischer 148 lbs., Team Century/Odyssey Batteries led by Capt. Jeff Hagaman 130 lbs., Team Winghouse led by Steve Kocsis 119 lbs, and Team Sign Zoo/GiantTarpon.com led by Capt. Robert McCue.

The Miller High Life PTTS presented by Century Boats is the largest and richest live-release tarpon tournament in the world, featuring five regular season events and one championship event all held in Boca Grande Pass, Fla.   Teams may weigh one fish daily and obtain points towards the Yamaha Team of the Year Race by releasing placing, weighing and releasing fish.  Camera crews are on hand during the PTTS to capture the action for a 13-week television series that airs on Sun Sports Network and World Fishing Network. This year the show will be available in over 37 million households nationwide and in Canada.