Let the summer fishing fun begin!
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]elebrating 27 years of tradition, this year’s fishing tournament is shaping up to be one of the best thanks to our generous Diamond Sponsors, SPS Building Supply and Seacoast National Bank, and many more. Partial proceeds this year will be donated to the Future Builders of America Programs, which provides scholarships to high school students. Other past organizations that have benefited from tournament proceeds include Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the Florida Oceanographic Society.
This long running tournament has typically been the welcomed start of the summer fishing and boating season. For many years, the tournament was strictly an offshore affair. However, with the continued growth in the popularity of inshore fishing, the tournament over recent years has evolved to offer both offshore and inshore enthusiasts an opportunity to compete.
Cash prizes in the offshore division will be paid to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in five categories including heaviest dolphin, king, wahoo, snapper and grouper.
For the inshore catch and release event, lines in the water begins at 6:15 a.m. Teams will submit digital images of their largest snook, trout and or redfish. The highest total combined inches will be proclaimed the winners and receive cash and prizes.
All events will be held at the picturesque Pirates Cove Resort & Marina in Port Salerno. Featuring beautiful views and great food, the public is invited to stop by for any and all of the festivities.
Boat entries are now available and will be accepted up to Friday, May 25th until 6 p.m. when the Captains Reception begins. The kick-off event will feature a live and silent auction, games for the kids, music, and chance tickets for additional prizes. Tournament tee shirts will be available for purchase; lots of complimentary appetizers sponsored by Pirates Loft; and of course the great door prizes for the fishing teams. The VIP tournament is also back again this year looking for one lucky boat captain or registered angler.
The official weigh-in and digital photo station will be stationed at Pirates Cove Marina’s waterfront and will open on Saturday, May 26th from noon to 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come down and see lots of record-setting fish being weighed. The awards celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. Tickets will be available for the meal only or for the meal and door prize opportunities! Radio broadcasters will be on-site doing a live remote during the presentation to the winners, so don’t miss it!
For more information, contact the TCBA office at 772-336-8222 or go to www.treasurecoast.com and download an entry form.