The third time proved to be a charm for the inaugural Seminole Bass Fishing Tournament.

After being previously scheduled twice only to get postponed both times due to the pandemic, the tournament finally debuted May 7 on Lake Okeechobee. The first boat departed Harney Pond Canal boat ramp in Lakeport at 6:30 a.m.

“We had 11 boats; I hoped for 20,” said tournament organizer Amos Tiger.

Potential bad weather in the area may have deterred some folks, but it was never a factor.

“It was a good tournament. Everyone had a good time. There was some pretty nasty weather, but it went north and south of us,” Tiger said.

Many people wore shirts and hats with the tournament logo on them. Brighton Councilman Larry Howard was on hand to congratulate the participants.

The weigh-in began mid-afternoon. The overall winning team featured three generations of the Johns family, led by big bass champion Norman Johns. He and his daughter Jo and granddaughter Kalgary along with Jamie Thomas took home the top prize.

Norman reeled in the day’s heaviest bass at 5.3 pounds. Kalgary was also a double winner. She won the top female angler award which earned her a new rod from Fast Break Bait & Tackle in Okeechobee.

Caylie Huff and Gauge Chandler finished second. Craig Gopher, Josiah Gopher, Austin Clay and Charles Clay rounded out the top three.

Nobody went home empty handed. Everyone received a gift. Ice coolers and Hard Rock packages were among the gifts handed out.

Tiger said there’s been talk about holding the tournament on a yearly basis. If so, he hopes to see more boats.

“I want people to know they missed a good tournament,” he said.