Statewide Fishing Competition Launches May 25 And Engages Anglers Of All Ages And Skill Levels In Conservation
CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, offers $500,000 in prizes and scholarships to FL anglers
ORLANDO, Fla., May 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CCA Florida, the state's leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, will launch the 5th annual CCA Florida STAR competition on Memorial Day weekend. The 101-day event, offering over $500,000 in prizes, invites anglers of all ages and skill levels to walk away with prizes from a brand-new truck or boat, motor and trailer packages to scholarships and more.
The STAR competition launched in Florida in 2015 with a focus on conservation through the use of technology and a catch, photo and release format. CCA Florida uses the social media-based event to educate the public on the importance of protecting Florida's marine resources and STAR's smart phone app eliminates the requirement for anglers to harvest or capture and transport fish, while promoting the proper handling of all species. In addition, non-anglers can participate and win by collecting trash and debris.
"Since we launched STAR in Florida, we've seen anglers catch more, release more, support the recovery of our state's marine resources and walk away with new boats and amazing new gear at the same time," stated STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald. "Since the start of the competition, we've awarded anglers with over $900,000 in prizes, including $400,000 in scholarships to youth anglers across the state."
The 2019 STAR competition includes 17 divisions targeting 11 species. Prizes in the signature iHeart Radio Tagged Redfish Division include a GMC Sierra pickup truck, or new boat, motor and trailer packages including a Contender Boats 22 Sport, a Pathfinder Boats 2200 TRS, a Hewes Redfisher 16, a 21' Carolina Skiff, and a Relentless Boats 24' Aluminum Bay/Flats boat, all powered by Yamaha Outboards. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in this division include two Carolina Skiff boats, powered with Yamaha Outboards, trailers, Minn Kota trolling motors and Humminbird electronics.
One of the competition's newest divisions, the Tagged Dolphin Division (Mahi Mahi), offers $10,000 cash to the first STAR registered CCA member who catches one of the eligible 20 tagged dolphin released in the coastal waters of Florida.
As in past years, current New Tide Members (CCA members ages 6 – 17) can enjoy continued free registration in the Youth Scholarship Division, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, which offers $100,000 in scholarships.
Other divisions include ladies, kayak, guides, and many more, with most division winners determined by a random drawing, not the biggest fish, a format that encourages participants of all ages to protect and conserve Florida's fisheries for future generations. For a full list of divisions, visit ccaflstar.com.
For more information on STAR, or to register, visit ccaflstar.com.
SOURCE CCA Florida
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