Area Fishing Tournaments Get Underway in April

(EDITOR'S NOTE: For complete details of the 5th Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament in Panacea see the feature article under "Feature Articles" Also, for the 2013 Big Bend Classic schedule see separate feature)

So, you consider yourself a pretty fair fisherman. And can hold your own against the best piscadors the Forgotten Coast has to offer. Well, here’s your opportunity to prove it. And to pocket some significant prize money while also piling up bragging rights. Starting in April and all through the summer months (ending in August) there will be fishing tournaments all along the Forgotten Coast.

Many of the tournaments are for a good cause and so you can contribute and cash a check at the same time. C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle, for instance, has donated some $670,000 to the Leukemia Foundation and additional money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They sponsor several tourneys during the summer.

The Organization for Artificial Reefs (OAR) has been sponsoring the Big Bend Saltwater Classic for more than two decades and had built tons of reefs as has the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) which sponsors a super event near the end of August.

Most are saltwater events (with lots of competition species)  but because the Forgotten Coast is a series of islands separated by outstanding fish –laden rivers, you can also seek some “fresh” competition.

A special note to remember (there has been confusion –including us- about the dates of this year’s event)…the Big Bend Saltwater Classic has been moved back to Father’s Day Weekend  - June 14-16. And on this 25^th Anniversary of this largest charity event in Northwest Florida the tourney headquarters has been moved back to the Moorings Marina in Carrabelle. 

The “series” of 2013 Ling Ding Fishing Tournament(s), presented by “98 Real Estate Group”, is back in Mexico Beach! This year the tournament will be every weekend in April and start with a kickoff party April 5. There will be three eligible species: Spanish Mackerel, which can be caught right off the beaches of Mexico Beach; Amberjack which can be caught on the reefs and Ling (also known as Cobia) which are a larger fish that pass through area waters each spring. Prizes will be awarded in each category. Visit Mexico Beach Marina for more information and to register.

                               C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle

Here is the impressive lineup of saltwater events sponsored by C-Quarters this summer.

April 27- The first of three C-QUARTERS KINGBUSTER FISHING TOURNAMENT. The entry fee is just $100 per boat. And the hours are 6 am to 6 pm. Must leave Carrabelle River. Food & Fun for fishermen after fishing hours. 697-8400. Sponsored by Millard Collins, C-Quarters Dock master and 20% of all proceeds from three tournaments go to the Make A Wish Foundation

May 25 – Kingbuster Fishing Tournament C-Quarters Marina. (Second of three) $100 per boat. 6 am to 6 pm.

June 29 – Kingbuster Fishing Tournament C-Quarters Marina. (Third of three) $100 per boat. 6 am to 6 pm.

July 20 - C-Quarters Youth Fishing Tournament. Kids from all over the South are invited to attend the 8^th annual Youth Fishing Tournament in Carrabelle.. Open to all kids 16 and under. Registration required on site. Sponsored by Jimmy Crowder of C-Quarters Marina, fishfloridatag.org and Carrabelle area businesses.

August 2-3 - 10^th Annual Kingfish Shootout at C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle. All proceeds go to the Leukemia Research Foundation. In 2012 a check for $35,000 was presented so over the past nine years the tournament has raised more than $670,000 for the cause. Grab a boat and pole (and participate in the festivities) and help contribute to this worthwhile cause.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

May 10-11 -Kid's Win Fishing Tournament Port St. Joe Marina. All Kids are winners in this Family Fun Fishing Tournament! Fish anywhere in Gulf County and come to the Port St. Joe Marina for weigh-in. First 300 Registrants will receive a Rod & Reel, Tackle, and a T-shirt. To register go to the Kid's Win website or stop in the Port St. Joe Marina. Website: www.kidswinfishing.com

May 11- FREE KIDS FISHING CLINIC Location:  Woolley Park in Panacea. Weigh-in begins at 1:00 p.m.
Contact:  David Moody  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

June TBA- Charles and Rex Pennycuff are hosting their 13th annual Fisherman’s Choice Youth Fishing Tournament in early June on St. George Island. Kids 16 and under will fish for fresh and saltwater species. Each entry receives a t-shirt, and after the tournament, entrees are invited to attend a cookout at Fisherman's Choice where they will weigh in their fish, eat hot dogs and hamburgers and get some great prizes. In years past, Rex says they gave away lots of rods and reels, tackle boxes and a cast nets. Prizes are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place, and include all major fish species. Entry is free and generally about 200 kids sign up. Call Fisherman's Choice for more information at (850) 670-8808.

                                                    25^th Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic

June-14-16 - On Father's Day weekend 2013 the Big Bend Saltwater Classic will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.  For this special occasion, they will be moving the headquarters back to the Moorings in Carrabelle where the tournament was held for many years.  With over $50,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, you've got plenty of reasons to come celebrate June 14th-16th at the 25th annual BBSC. Since 1990, the Tournament has been a three-day event set on Father's Day Weekend. It is a rodeo format featuring multiple species in three divisions for competitive fishing for Juniors to Pros. The format has proven itself productive and inviting to participants and their families. The Bend Saltwater Classic is the Fishing Family’s place to be on Father's Day Weekend in North Florida. In fact, you don’t even need to have a boat in order to capture many great prices.  There are weigh stations in Wakulla, Gulf & Franklin Counties.

July 26-27- 8^th Annual Mexico Beach Marina Offshore Classic in Mexico Beach. A two-day offshore fishing tournament with outstanding cash prizes in King, Wahoo and Dolphin Divisions.

August 23-24 – the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) Kingfish Tournament. Raises funds for the deployment of reefs off the Forgotten Coast. Friday , August 23, Captain’s Party. Saturday  5 am-5 pm fishing out of Mexico Beach Marina. Two divisions this year: Recreation King Mackerel pays $3,000, 2000 and 100; Wahoo $1,000 and $500 for largest Spanish. New Professional/ Masters Division will pay 50% of the pro/masters registration up to $3,000 for heaviest King Mackerel. Go to www.mbara.org for details and new 2013 rules.

Sept. 27-29 - Florida Catfish Classic in Wewahitchka Break the State record! Bring your family and friends out for a day of great fishing on the River. This festival and Fishing Tournament captures all the excitement of sport angling and family friendly fun. Website: www.catfishclassic.com

Sept. 27-28 – Gulf County Sheriffs Office Annual Bass Fishing Tournament. White City, Gulf County . This annual catch & release Bass tournament brings anglers from all over to fish the Three Brothers River in search of these big mouth beauties. Cash prizes lure the most avid anglers...enter now! Phone: 850-229-7800

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