CCA Florida, the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, shared details on its upcoming signature event - CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha. The 101-day fishing event, offering over $500,000 in prizes, has expanded divisions and is offering new ways for anglers of all ages to walk away with prizes from a brand new truck or boat, motor and trailer packages to all-terrain vehicles, scholarships and more.
CCA Florida STAR is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida and runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR focuses on conservation and the social media-based event educates the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources. Recognized as a ‘catch, photo and release’ competition, STAR’s smart phone app eliminates the requirement for anglers to harvest or capture and transport fish.
New details for the 2018 event include:
• Kids – Continued free registration for current New Tide Members (CCA members) ages 6 – 17.
• Guides – New opportunities for guides to win in the Tagged Redfish and Tagged Dolphin Divisions.
• Confirmed prizes in the signature Tagged Redfish Division include a Contender 22 Sport, a GMC Sierra truck, a Pathfinder 2200 TRS, a Hewes Redfisher 16, a Carolina Skiff 21 Ultra and a Cottonmouth Aluminum Bay/Flats boat, all powered by Yamaha. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in this division include a Carolina Skiff 16JVX CC boat, powered with a Yamaha 40 HP motor and trailer.
New divisions include:
•Tagged Dolphin Division(MahiMahi)–20 tagged dolphin will be released in federal waters, with the first registered angler who catches one eligible to win $10,000 in cash or scholarship.
•Non-tagged Redfish Division–even non-tagged redfish are eligible for prizes.
•Grouper Division–special prizes for black, gag, red and scamp grouper.
•Tarpon Division–one winner of a $10,000 prize package will be determined by a random drawing of all catch photos entered in the drawing. Eligibility requirements include proper handling and resuscitation of the catch.
Other STAR divisions include:
•Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors – offering over $100,000 in scholarships from Realtree Fishing, Reel Legends Apparel, Southeastern Environmental Solutions, Talk of the Town Restaurant Group and Pasco County Office of Tourism Development.
•Conservation and Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division - assisting with data collection for potential use in stock and habitat assessment and helping with trash and debris collection.
•Open, Ladies, Fly, Kayak Professional Guides Divisions - targeting various species.
Most division winners are determined by a random drawing, a format that encourages participants of all ages to protect and conserve Florida’s fisheries for future generations.
For more information on STAR, or to register, visit the Facebook page or ccaflstar.com.
Contact: Teresa Donaldson | 407.923.3530 | tdonaldson@ccaflorida.org
About CCA Florida
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.
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