CCA Florida has announced that going forward into the 12th year of competition, the STAR Tournament presented by Yamaha has transformed into a youth competition designed exclusively for anglers ages 6 to 17. The summer-long event offers scholarships, boats, prizes, community service opportunities and a chance to learn valuable conservation practices while enjoying Florida’s saltwater fisheries.
The 2026 competition, open now through Labor Day on September 7, is the largest youth saltwater fishing tournament in Florida. Open to anglers of all skill levels, participants can fish from shore, docks, seawalls or boats anywhere in the state’s saltwater waters.
Since its launch in 2015, the STAR competition has awarded more than $4 million in prizes, including trucks, boats, motors, trailers, electronics and fishing tackle. More than $1.1 million of that total has been awarded in youth scholarships. For 2026, the youth competition alone will offer more than $150,000 in prizes and scholarships.
Conservation remains a cornerstone of the STAR program. The competition utilizes a technology-based Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) format that encourages proper fish handling and conservation-minded angling. Registered CCA members can submit photos of their catches alongside the official STAR identifier before safely releasing the fish back into the water. This format allows anglers to compete regardless of fish size while promoting stewardship of Florida’s marine resources.
The 2026 event will once again award $100,000 in college scholarships through support from the Guy Harvey Foundation, Realtree Fishing, Academy Sports + Outdoors and other partners. Young anglers ages 13 to 17 can also participate in the Teen Challenge, competing for boat packages from Yamaha, Carolina Skiff, Custom Gheenoe, Minn Kota and Power-Pole. The “Most Fish” division, presented by T-H Marine, will award one youth angler (ages 6 to 17) a Native Watercraft Slayer Max Propel 12.5 kayak.
In addition to fishing categories, STAR offers a conservation-focused Trash Division that rewards participants for helping keep Florida’s waterways clean. Anglers can earn both prizes and community service hours through their efforts.
All saltwater species are eligible for entry, and most winners are selected through random drawings, giving every participant a chance to win regardless of experience or catch size. The competition’s format helps level the playing field and encourages more young anglers to get involved.
For a complete list of STAR identifier distribution locations, competition rules and registration information, visit ccaflstar.com or follow the CCA Florida STAR Facebook page.