By: Charlotte Bireley
FORT PIERCE — An estimated 1,200 professional anglers are about to descend onto downtown Fort Pierce and the surrounding area.
In January, the St. Lucie County Tourism Office in partnership with the city of Fort Pierce and the Treasure Coast Sports Commission secured the Southern Kingfish Association’s National Championship Tournament for 2016 and every three years following. Prior to the national tournament set for Nov. 11 to 12, the SKA will also be hosting the Mercury Pre-Game Bash for Cash fishing tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
The week-long fishing event is expected to draw nearly 250 fishing teams, their families and dozens of tournament sponsors from across the country, bringing a positive economic impact and exposure to the area.
Fort Pierce was the host location in 2010 for SKA’s National Championship Tournament, generating an estimated $750,000 in economic impact, but with the Fort Pierce City Marina’s recent expansion and a healthier economy, county and city officials are hopeful that the event will bring more anglers to the area, generating an even larger economic impact.
The Treasure Coast Sports Commission, which is funded by the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council using county tourist taxes, is the funding agency for the event.
“This is excellent for Fort Pierce and hopefully sets the stage to bring future national tournaments by other fishing organizations to Fort Pierce,” said Rick Hatcher, executive director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission.
St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, who also serves as the chairman of the Tourist Development Council, was instrumental in securing the event, making the initial contact to the SKA in proposing Fort Pierce as its next host city.
“Our fishing grounds are a treasure trove in themselves. By securing this agreement with the Southern Kingfish Association with a multi-year commitment, our area businesses, hoteliers, restaurants and tourist venues will continually benefit from the positive impact.”
In addition to the winners crowned during the national tournament, St. Lucie County will also give away naming rights to an artificial reef to the team or individual that catches the largest kingfish during the tournament.
“This is another way St. Lucie County is providing ways to keep these anglers interested in Fort Pierce year after year and some serious bragging rights. What angler wouldn’t want a reef named after them?” stated St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Supervisor Jim Oppenborn.
The public is invited to attend the tournament weigh-ins, awards ceremonies and other social events at Fort Pierce City Marina:
» Mercury Pre-Game Bash for Cash Weigh-In & Awards: Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 3 to 7:30 p.m.
» Sweetwater Beer Garden Event: Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight
» Nationals Weigh-In: Nov. 11 and 12 from 3 to 5 p.m.
For general information about the event or for a full schedule, visit www.FishSKA.com. For more information, call Charlotte Bireley at 772-4621539 or email bireleyc@stlucieco.org.
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