Linville, who released one permit on the tournament’s first fishing day and three on the second, scored 332 points to become the tournament’s grand champion angler. His guide was John O’Hearn of Big Pine Key, Fla., who was named guide to the grand champion.
Linville credited much of his victory to O’Hearn’s skill and said the greatest challenge was the calm water conditions.
“These fish are difficult to catch under any conditions, but particularly when it’s calm,” Linville said. “They’re very aware of what’s going on around them, and when you’re trying to throw a fly rod and put a fly right next to them, they know what’s coming.”
The tournament’s first runner-up angler was John Holt of Bozeman, Mont. Guided by Trevor Luce of Palm Coast, Fla., Holt released three permit with a combined point total of 327. He also earned honors for scoring the tournament’s largest single catch, a 31-inch fish.
Jeff Ferguson of Bozeman was named second runner-up angler for releasing one permit worth 115 points. Ferguson’s guide was Bryan “Bear” Holeman of Key West.
Twenty-five teams of permit enthusiasts fished the tournament. Proceeds benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, which helps conserve and enhance global fisheries and habitats of bonefish, tarpon and permit.
