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NEW DIVISIONS, NEW PRIZES, MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN – STAR LAUNCHES MAY 26

CCA Florida shares details on divisions and prizes for CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, promoting conservation and family experiences.

Orlando, FL – May 17, 2018 – CCA Florida, the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, shared details on its upcoming signature event - CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha. The 101-day fishing event, offering over $500,000 in prizes, has expanded divisions and is offering new ways for anglers of all ages to walk away with prizes from a brand new truck or boat, motor and trailer packages to all-terrain vehicles, scholarships and more.

CCA Florida STAR is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida and runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR focuses on conservation and the social media-based event educates the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources. Recognized as a ‘catch, photo and release’ competition, STAR’s smart phone app eliminates the requirement for anglers to harvest or capture and transport fish.

New details for the 2018 event include:

Kids – Continued free registration for current New Tide Members (CCA members) ages 6 – 17.
Guides – New opportunities for guides to win in the Tagged Redfish and Tagged Dolphin Divisions.
Confirmed prizes in the signature Tagged Redfish Division include a Contender 22 Sport, a GMC Sierra truck, a Pathfinder 2200 TRS, a Hewes Redfisher 16, a Carolina Skiff 21 Ultra and a Cottonmouth Aluminum Bay/Flats boat, all powered by Yamaha. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in this division include a Carolina Skiff 16JVX CC boat, powered with a Yamaha 40 HP motor and trailer.
New divisions include:
Tagged Dolphin Division (Mahi Mahi) – 20 tagged dolphin will be released in federal waters, with the first registered angler who catches one eligible to win $10,000 in cash or scholarship.
Non-tagged Redfish Division – even non-tagged redfish are eligible for prizes.
Grouper Division – special prizes for black, gag, red and scamp grouper.
Tarpon Division – one winner of a $10,000 prize package will be determined by a random drawing of all catch photos entered in the drawing. Eligibility requirements include proper handling and resuscitation of the catch.
Other STAR divisions include:

Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors – offering over $100,000 in scholarships from Realtree Fishing, Reel Legends Apparel, Southeastern Environmental Solutions, Talk of the Town Restaurant Group and Pasco County Office of Tourism Development.
Conservation and Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division – assisting with data collection for potential use in stock and habitat assessment and helping with trash and debris collection.
Lionfish Division – helping with the removal of this invasive species.
Open, Ladies, Fly, Kayak and Professional Guides Divisions - targeting various species.
Most division winners are determined by a random drawing, a format that encourages participants of all ages to protect and conserve Florida’s fisheries for future generations.

For more information on STAR, or to register, visit the Facebook page or ccaflstar.com.

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About CCA Florida

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.

Looking like it'll be a soggy start to the STAR Saturday, but you can still get registered and be ready to go when the monsoons stop.

Academy Sports in Tallahassee has the measuring devices (at the gun counter), plus West Marine, Kevin's, Parkway Marine and Battery Source.

Shields Marina in St. Marks, Bellamy's Outdoor Sports in Crawfordville, Trophy Creek Outfitter's in Monticello, Big Bend Marine and Jacks Boats and Trailers in Perry, Sea Hag Marine in Steinhatchee, C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle, Half-Hitch Tackle and Bluewater Outriggers in St. Joe are all regional distribution sites too.

The rulers and tags are pink this year, so it'll take some manly anglers to pose with that color scheme. But with $500,000 in prizes and scholarships on the line, that shouldn't be a problem.

Remember, you can't claim any prizes unless you're registered (and a current CCA member). Plenty of local winners in the past few years, including a brand new Pathfinder bay boat awarded for a tagged red during last year's tournament. It was caught near Carrabelle, by the way. Tagged reds have been released in every coastal county in Florida, plus there are 17 catch photo divisions, so lots of opportunities to win!

To register or for more information, visit: http://www.ccaflstar.com

Good luck everyone!

I believe that I read that SeaHag also has the measuring devices.

You are right, ZLoad. Missed that one but updating the list. No sites for Keaton, according to the flyer. Slightly out of our area but Cedar Cove Hotel and Cedar Key Marina also on the list with several more in Crystal River and Homosassa. Appreciate all the businesses helping out to make the tournament a reality.

I am so in. Ordered a new fly rod & reel that just came in, so I expect to be setting streamer flies into my earlobes this summer while trying to log catches in that division. "It's all part of the experience." (quote from Chevy Chase in the movie Christmas Vacation).

I won't be back down until July, same as last year, and I had problems finding a CCA measuring tape last year. I called Shields Marina and the girls in the ship store mailed me one no questions asked. I just received it in the mail yesterday. They earned my future business when I'm in the area for sure.

They are at Kevins

[quote="silverking"

Academy Sports in Tallahassee has the measuring devices (at the gun counter), plus West Marine, Kevin's, Parkway Marine and Battery Source.

Shields Marina in St. Marks, Bellamy's Outdoor Sports in Crawfordville, Trophy Creek Outfitter's in Monticello, Big Bend Marine and Jacks Boats and Trailers in Perry, Sea Hag Marine in Steinhatchee, C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle, Half-Hitch Tackle and Bluewater Outriggers in St. Joe are all regional distribution sites too. [/quote]

Got a couple of entries in this morning

Good for you SG. I'm not eligible to win this year so I'll be rooting for all my friends to catch that tagged fish.

I was out Saturday but had yet to pick up my ruler. I picked one up today at Trophy Creek in Monticello and am zeroing in on Thursday as my post Alberto start date.

Getting in a lot of much needed equipment maintenance in the mean time.

Good luck!

I'm up to 7 entries so far. Told my wife I'd quit for the summer when I got to 50, but she knows the alternate spelling for angler is L-I-A-R.

Your poor wife must have perpetual vertigo from constantly rolling her eyes at you, Gary.

I got 2 in last Saturday. Lost 3 more. Normally I don’t care when I loose reds and trout, but it kinda bothered me