The RedTrout Tournament was introduced this year at the Biloxi Boat & RV Show and got off to a great start. Good weather, a great venue and a worthy cause combined to make the tournament a true success. The Tournament was a partnership between the Coastal Conservation Association Mississippi (CCA), the Biloxi Boat & RV Show, Coastal Angler Magazine, Everything Kayak and Academy Sports & Outdoors. A Captain’s Party at the IP kicked off the festivities in style followed by fishing on Saturday, and a weigh in at the boat show for a little added excitement. More than 125 anglers competed for the guaranteed prize money and turned in some great catches of both trout and redfish.
“We were very pleased to be able to add this tournament to the Biloxi Boat & RV Show this year,” said CCA MS Executive Director Johnny Marquez. “The timing was perfect because everyone has been chomping at the bit to get back on the water, and the Biloxi Boat & RV show provided a unique venue to not only encourage a large turnout but also to allow Gulf Coast Research Lab scientists to be on site to check for implanted tags, to take genetic samples from fish entered in the tournament and to demonstrate to show attendees how this information is useful to their research. “ A steady supply of fish hit the weigh in table on Saturday afternoon, and Liz from Swamp People even jumped in to help weigh a few reds.
All proceeds from the tournament were used to fund a new CCA Mississippi program that will provide scholarships and directed funding for fisheries research programs at the Gulf Coast Research Lab. Marquez noted “We are already looking forward to a bigger event next year. The Biloxi Boat & RV Show was a great supporter and host, and we plan to grow the event in coming years.”