Johnson Invitational Flats Fishing Tournament

Welcome to the 22nd Annual Johnson Invitational!

Join us for an exciting inshore fishing tournament, where anglers from across Florida will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights while supporting a great cause. Hosted in Port Richey, FL, this catch-photo-release tournament features Snook, Trout, Redfish, and Flounder with an estimated $15,000 in total cash payouts!

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Choose Your Team!

Select your team of anglers for the tournament! Choose to compete!

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Register For The Event

Click on the register today button to submit your team and payment!

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Fish On!

Put your fishing skills to the test in our tournament and win some awesome prizes!

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What Is This All About:

Welcome to The Johnson Invitational!

Join us on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Rum River in Port Richey, FL, for one of Florida’s premier inshore fishing tournaments! The Johnson Invitational Flats Fishing Tournament is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of community, conservation, and charity.

This catch-photo-release tournament invites anglers of all skill levels to compete in the Inshore Slam, targeting Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Flounder for over $15,000 in total cash payouts! Whether you’re a seasoned tournament pro or a weekend warrior, this is your chance to test your skills, enjoy a day on the water, and make unforgettable memories.

We Love To Give Back To Our Community!

Our Mission

The Johnson Invitational is proud to benefit Relay for Life – American Cancer Society, making this event about more than just fishing—it’s about giving back to the community.

A Family’s Commitment to Service

The heart of the JI lies in the commitment of the Johnson family to serve the community, help those in need, and share their passion for fishing. Each year, the family pours countless hours into organizing the event, ensuring that it’s not only an enjoyable day of competition but also an impactful fundraiser for a cause that touches so many lives.

Through their efforts, the Johnson family has shown that the spirit of giving and community is not only alive and well but thriving. The tournament is a reminder that, while the thrill of the catch is exciting, the true reward comes from knowing that each dollar raised is a step closer to finding a cure for cancer.

A Legacy that Continues to Grow

As we look ahead to the future of the Johnson Invitational, we’re reminded of how far this event has come and how much more it can accomplish. The JI has blossomed into an event that unites family and friends, supports an incredible cause, and makes a lasting impact on the community.  Thank you to all who participate in the event and help make a difference in the fight against cancer!

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Tournament Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
📍 Location: Rum River Bar & Grill – Port Richey, FL
💲 Entry Fee: $500 per boat
🎣 Fishing Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📏 Categories: Inshore Slam, Snook, Trout, Redfish & Flounder

Mandatory Captains’ Meeting:

📍 Location: Rum River Bar & Grill
🕕 Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM

Weigh-In:

📍 Location: Rum River Bar & Grill
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM

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We Educate and Inspire

Why Participate?

Compete for big cash prizes in one of Florida’s top inshore tournaments!
Support a great cause – benefiting Relay for Life – American Cancer Society.
Enjoy an exciting event with fellow anglers at Rum River Bar & Grill.
Showcase your fishing skills and take home the trophy!

🎣 Ready to join? Register now and secure your spot in the 22nd Annual Johnson Invitational!

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The Johnson Invitational partners with many sponsors to offer a great event with some really awesome prizes and raffle items!

Let's Go Fishing

Tournament Rules & Regulations

  1. Legal Compliance: All participants must follow state and federal fishing laws.
  2. Mandatory Captains’ Meeting: At least one member from each boat must attend the Captains’ Meeting on April 11th at Rum River Bar & Grill.
  3. Fishing Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Boats can gather bait before 7:00 AM but may NOT fish before the official start).
  4. Boundaries: Fishing is permitted between Crystal River and Clearwater Pass.
  5. Eligible Fish & Payouts:
    • Inshore Slam (Total inches of Snook, Redfish, and Trout) – $3,000 (1st), $2,000 (2nd), $1,500 (3rd)
    • Largest Snook, Redfish & Trout$500 (1st), $400 (2nd), $300 (3rd)
    • Largest Flounder$500 (Must be surrendered to the tournament committee for research purposes).
  6. Fishing Methods:
    • Fish must be caught using a rod and reel.
    • Live and artificial bait is permitted.
    • Cast nets are allowed for catching bait only.
  7. Catch Submission:
    • Each team may enter only one fish per category (e.g., a team cannot win 1st and 2nd place for Trout).
    • A “sweep” is not possible – if a team places in the Slam, they cannot win or place in the individual species categories.
    • All fish will be measured with the provided Check-It Stick and Perfect Pincher tool.
    • Photos must be texted to 727-992-8303 and must clearly show:
      ✅ Team chip number
      ✅ Fish belly facing the camera, left-hand head position
      ✅ Perfect Pincher on the tail
  8. Tie-Breaker Rule: If two fish measure the same length, the earliest submitted photo wins.
  9. Cheating & Fair Play: NO cheating. NO altering fish tails. NO fishing in marina areas. Violators will be disqualified.

In case of emergency or rule clarification, contact:
📞 Jerry Johnson: 727-808-4750
📞 Kevin Johnson: 727-234-5873

Partners and Sponsorship

Brands That Support Us

A special THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors who help make this event a success!

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The Family Behind It All

The Johnson Invitational Fishing Tournament: A Legacy of Community, Compassion, and Casting Lines

 In March of 2003, a small group of family and friends gathered for what would become the start of something extraordinary – the Johnson Invitational Fishing Tournament. What began as a humble event to celebrate a new chapter in the Johnson Family soon transformed into a powerful tradition that has helped build one of the premier saltwater fishing tournaments on the west coast of Florida.

A Tradition Born from Family and Giving Back

When the first Johnson Invitational (“JI”) took place, it was a simple seven boat event that served as Jerry’s bachelor party. But as the event unfolded, it quickly became clear that the tournament had the potential for something greater. With a shared commitment to service and community, the Johnson family decided to use this event as a way to give back. It was then that the decision was made to partner with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, a cause close to the hearts of many.

Growing in Size, Impact, and Spirit

 Over the years, the event’s success has been a reflection of the dedication, passion, and hard work that the Johnson family has put into it. What started with just a handful of participants now sees a growing number of teams and supporters from all over the region, eager to take part in the fishing and, more importantly, the cause behind it.

As the years have gone by, the tournament has become a staple of the community and an important fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. Year after year, the Johnson Invitational has consistently ranked among the top 100 teams nationwide, raising significant funds for cancer research, patient support, and awareness.

We hope that you enjoy our tournament and make lasting memories with your family and friends!

- Kevin Johnson