This year the Finest Kind and the Grand Slam/Castaways Broadbill Classic collaborated on four one-night tournaments between June and October and warded an additional $10,000 for the largest swordfish caught in any of the tournaments.

Going into the last leg on Oct. 20, team "Sea Monkeys" had the largest fish with a 119.4-pound swordfish. Forty boats from Ft. Pierce to Ft. Lauderdale fished in the final leg of the Grand Slam/Castaways Broadbill Classic presented by Bahama Boat Works LLC., Henley's Custom Marine, and Mercury Marine.

Eric Rietwyk, fishing on the 36-foot Hydrosport "Joe's Addiction" caught the winning 179-pound swordfish in the final leg. Rietwyk hooked the fish at 8:30 p.m. in 1,100 feet of water and landed it seven hours later at 3:30 a.m.

The fish was hooked in the back of the head just below the dorsal fin. Rietwyk's determination was rewarded with checks that totaled $15,805.00.

The "Sword-A-Broke"crew won $1,500 and came in second place with a 58-inch swordfish that weighed 108 pounds. "Joes Addiction"and "Sword-A-Broke"split the third place cash prize of $1,000 since it was vacant.

Three boats caught and released two fish and the winners were determined by time. Team "Hard Knocks"released two fish - one at 9:32 p.m. and the second at 9:50 p.m. to win first place and $2,500.00 in the Release Division.

Second place and $1,500 went to team "Dykoke"with two releases at 11:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. Team "Head First"also released two fish at 11:36 p.m. and 4:05 a.m. to win $1,000 for third place in the Release Division.

Proceeds from the tournament were distributed to three different charities.

• The John Yancy Memorial Scholarship, that awards continuing education grants to graduating seniors at Jupiter Community High School.

• The Coastal Conservation Association Florida, that protects Florida's marine resources.

• The Quantum House, that provides a caring place for families to call home while their children are being treated for a serious medical condition.

For more information about how you can help these wonderful charities please visit their websites at:

• www.johnyancyscholarship.org;

• www.ccaflorida.org;

• www.quantumhouse.org

The Grand Slam Castaways Tournaments have raised over $400,000 for local charities over the last 12 years.

With the help of our 2008 presenting sponsors - Bahama Boat Works LLC, Henley's Custom Marine, and Mercury Marine - we are sure to raise even more next year.

We thank all of our angles that have made this another record year.

Visit our website at www.fishthegrandslam.com to see pictures from the tournament as well as 2008 tournament information.