Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) – Fishing tournaments open to all ages and skill levels are ongoing, with over $500,000 in prizes and scholarships.
It is known as the CCA Florida Start Tournament and continues throughout the summer.
Hosted by the CCA – the Coastal Conservation Association, the nonprofit organization focuses on conserving marine resources through conservation, habitat restoration and replenishment efforts.
“We’ve been established for 40 years,” said tournament director Raysa Fitzgerald Greatertain. “We are advocacy jobs, conservation initiatives, and habitat recovery and replenishment.”
Fitzgerald says the tournaments are designed to be fun and accessible, and even if you’re not an experienced angler, you’ll have a chance to win.
“Catched fish can compete for a shot to get something. Even trash, even trash can enter,” she said.
There are nine divisions, ranging from coastal and offshore to youth and trash cleaning, but the most popular Redfish division.
“If you catch any of these, you have the opportunity to win a brand new boat,” Fitzgerald explained. “But you need to be a member and be registered in the competition. Here’s the keyword. Before you hook a fish.”
This year’s tagged fish have green tags and will be released in areas where redfish are commonly caught.
“If you have four fish in every county, there are 12 redfish around the Tampa Bay Area,” Fitzgerald said. “So keep that in mind when anglers are fishing. We’re not hiding them.” It’s just in Pinellas, Hillsboro and Manatee County.
Aside from tagged Redfish Awards, most winners are randomly selected. It is not based on size or weight. That means you’ll have more chances to leave with big prizes like boats, motors and even cash.
The scholarship for young people is also $100,000. All they have to do is catch the fish and enter.
Students can also buy community service time by filling trash in a five-gallon bucket.
There are several rules, such as using a specific identifier in the photo when submitting an entry. You can register here on the tournament’s CCA website.
