"We are thrilled to be associated with such a world-class event, and want to thank the kayak anglers, the sponsors, and everyone that made the Classic happen for their generous support ", said Jimmy Kelly, Daniel’s director of development. Tournament director Mike Kogan stated, “We are overwhelmed at the incredible turnout – even in these challenging economic times the surge in participation from the anglers and sponsors points to continued strong growth for kayak fishing.”

The 2009 Classic was led by the title sponsorship of Columbia Sportswear, whose focus on products that allow people to enjoy the outdoors longer and more comfortably was a perfect match for kayak fishing. According to Columbia Sportwear VP of Global Sales Mitch Fields, “Our Performance Fishing Gear like our new Blood & Guts line is ideal for kayak anglers who are on the water all day – they get UPF protection up to 50 with Omni Shade technology, venting for comfort and cooling, and a performance fabric which repels and releases stains.”

Columbia was joined by other industry leaders such as Hobie Kayaks, Malibu Kayaks, Wilderness Systems, Ocean Kayaks, Shimano, Pure Fishing, and Costa Del Mar. The Classic also pulled together all of Northeast Florida’s kayak and fishing retailers led by Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, Gander Mountain, All Wet Sports, West Marine, and Dick's Sporting Goods to name just a few of the over 100 sponsors. Kogan related “the great efforts of our volunteers and the kayak fishing community combined with the generosity of our terrific sponsors have made this event an unqualified success – and the fishing was sensational.”

Roger Bump of Jacksonville, FL claimed the top prize for the second year in a row in the slam division, winning a fully-rigged Hobie Mirage Pro Angler fishing kayak. He found all his fish in the Mill Cove area en route to his record-setting 69.8” winning slam, which consisted of a 27” red, a 26” trout, and a 16.7” flounder. Bump was closely followed by Jacksonville’s Robert Murray with 65.75”, Jon Ward of Riverview, FL with 60.5”, Jacksonville’s Adam Boyd with 60.1”, and Daniel Hunter of Jacksonville with 58.8”.

Erick Bell, a member of Team Wilderness Systems from Concord, NC, won the trout division with a personal best 27.65” gator trout. In an outstanding display of generosity and sportsmanship Mr. Bell donated his 1st place prize Ocean Kayak Trident to Daniel to raise more funds for Florida’s oldest children’s services organization.

Top redfish honors went to Jacksonville’s John Chapman with a 30.2” red and he scored a Malibu Stealth kayak. Leading the way in the flounder category was Chuck Ray of Neptune Beach, FL with a 21.6” flattie that was good for a Viking ProFish kayak. All winners and placers also received gift certificates from Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Kayak Fishing Supplies.Com, and subscriptions to Florida Sportfishing and Gaff magazines.

Luke Shaw won Junior Angler and expecting mother Sarah Carpenter won Lady Angler. Gus Bianchi took Senior Angler honors, and Russell Fissette was top Fly Angler and placed fifth in the Redfish division.

Biggest Redfish
1 – John Chapman – 30.20"
2 – Alfie Nazario – 29.50"
3 – Alex Crotzer – 29.25"
4 – Matthew Calderaro – 29.00"
5 – Russell Fissette – 29.00"

Biggest Trout
1 – Erick Bell – 27.65"
2 – Bruce Fletcher – 27.00"
3 – Victor Jackson – 25.00"
4 – Mark Schroeder – 24.80"
5 – Jerry Burdine – 24.50"

Biggest Flounder
1 – Chuck Ray –21.60"
2 – John Lanham –19.30"
3 – Edward Graham –19.30"
4 – Blake Beltz –18.20"
5 – Michael Shannahan –18.20"

Lady Angler Award - Sarah Carpenter
Junior Angler Awar - Luke Shaw
Senior Angler Award - Gus Bianchi
Fly Angler Award - Russell Fissette
Best Dang Tackle Box - Gerald Benson

Sponsors: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Gander Mountain, Hobie Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Shimano, West Marine, Viking Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, FreedomHawk Kayaks, Wilderness Systems Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Native Watercraft, Accent Paddles, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cobra Kayaks, Black Fly Outfitter, All Wet Sports, XTOOLS, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Berkley, Great Atlantic Outfitters, Slayer Lures, Thule, Bending Branches, Florida Kayak Fishing, Outdoors Show, Florida Fishing Weekly, BullFrog, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, Lowrance, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Hook1, GearKeeper, Pier 17, Slayer Lures, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Penn Fishing, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Stohlquist, Fish-N-Drinks.Com, AquaEast, Bite-A-Bait, Wheeleez, FlyFishJax.Com, EvergladesKayakFishing.Com, Extrasport, Carlisle, Ugly Braid, Tilley Hats, 3rd Grip CrateMate, Precision Pak, Spot Personal Locator, 321Fish.Com, Dri-Grip Sunscreen, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, AT Paddles, Wang Anchors, Yak-Gear.Com, Skwoosh, R.L. Haines Roofing, Helter Skeletons, Polar Bear Coolers, Florida Sportfishing Magazine, Gaff Magazine, IrishWaterDogs.Com, ARC Dehookers, Heddon, StandNFish.Com, Kaynoe.Com, New Berlin Boat & RV, Coastal Colors, and St. Croix.