When the locations of the 2008 Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup venues were first announced in January, mouths started watering across the country. News the nation's premier saltwater fishing tournament was edging one step closer to kick-off escalated the anticipation for anglers, their families and Redfish Cup staff.

But it wasn't just the thoughts of higher payouts, increased exposure and heated competition which was activating those salivary glands. Upon learning the 2008 regular season culminates in Pensacola, Fla., on Sept. 26th through the 28th, thoughts immediately turned to seafood: The Redfish Cup is proud to be part of the 2008 Pensacola Seafood Festival, one the Sunshine State's biggest family festivals. And the tournament is sure to be one of the tastiest Cup venues all tour.

"The weather dictates everything there," Redfish Cup angler Blaien Friermood said in reference to both last year's action and the propensity of anglers to make longer runs to find their fish.

The Cup has visited Pensacola many times in its six-year history, but last year's events will perhaps be most remembered. During the event, which was also the 2007 Cup Championship, Pensacola found itself in the direct path of a tropical depression on the second day of competition.

Fortunately for all parties, the storm pushed quickly through the region overnight, and the seas cooperated enough to permit the closest Redfish Cup Championship finish ever. When the skies cleared, the western Florida team of Mark Sepe and Andrew Bostick took the title with just 1.4 ounces separating first, second, and third place.

Of all the other venues this year, Pensacola stands to be one of the more challenging. The Florida Panhandle differs tremendously from the marshes and backwaters prevalent in Louisiana; this means lower overall populations of slot-sized redfish, which may force many anglers to risk a longer run. But this reality also creates an increased opportunity for more technical anglers and those more familiar with fishing open waters.

"Open water fishing is more my style than back in those skinny backwaters," Friermood continued. "So we're more likely to stick around close to Pensacola. You just never know until you get there."

Many anglers will be quick to give Florida anglers the edge in Pensacola, simply because of the difference in the fishing.

"Being from Florida, we have a variety of terrain that we're used to," Cup angler Sam Bertha, Jr. said. "I think we're used to the diversity, and that makes it easier for us to adjust in the Panhandle."

Regardless of how the Redfish Cup plays out on the water, everyone back on the land will certainly be content. And with the inviting aroma from the festival tents in Seville Square and a belly full of freshly-prepared seafood, it would be hard not to be.

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