2017 CCA STAR Tournament

[TomParis]

Hope he doesn't pick the pathfinder, that's the prize I want. Going to try again tomorrow for a tagged redfish

[reelbad]

Hope he doesn't pick the pathfinder, that's the prize I want. Going to try again tomorrow for a tagged redfish

Yea, and he better keep his hands off my truck.

[HammerDown]

Just registered for this one even though I realize that I prolly will not land a tagged redfish. Fells very kool to even think that I could get one and also that it helps out a worthwhile organization. Tight Lines

[silverking]

Pretty confident the Pathfinder will be officially off the board by the time Monday morning rolls around. The GMC pickup and four other boat, motor and trailer packages will still be up for grabs, however, in the tagged redfish division. Several local anglers also won last year by releasing eligible trout, sheepshead and other species. Know a Cast & Blast skiff, SUP and junior angler scholarship were awarded locally.

In addition to some great prizes and scholarships for the kids, the big winner is awareness of marine conservation issues and a growing CCA membership. So thanks to all for participating and good luck. Here's to several more Big Bend anglers claiming prizes before Labor Day!

[rockyg]

I was lucky enough to catch this beautiful little Red last Thursday. I was told the fish was released by the Tournament Committee about a week earlier approximately 4 miles West of where I caught it. The fish was 19 1/2" inches long and smashed a Chrome Skiterwalk. I have passed all the registration requirements and the Polygraph test.

So there will be a Ice Blue Pathfinder 2200 TRS in my driveway later this year.

I am truly blessed and I cannot thank CCA Florida and the STAR Tournament organizers enough. Still can't believe it.

[bcastleb]

Congrats!!!

[Apalachee Inshore]

That's absolutely awesome

[zload]

Cool

[fishinfool]

[TomParis]

Congrats on your catch and you made a good choice on your prize.

[SHOWBOAT]

congrats! What is the destiny of the fish; celebratory dinner, released, mounted and hung on a wall?

[rockyg]

congrats! What is the destiny of the fish; celebratory dinner, released, mounted and hung on a wall?

I was conflicted about what to do with the fish from the minute I caught it. It was legal size at 19 1/2" but skinny for that length. I usually release almost every Trout or Red I catch, but in this case I felt the importance of verifying the catch under the tournament rules was of paramount importance. Later that day I met with a CCA official in Tallahassee and he removed and kept the tag. I brought the fish back to Lanark, cleaned it, and had grilled redfish on Friday evening being careful to say a particularly special grace before eating that once in a lifetime fish.

I asked Carson of the Lanark Market to take the pic I posted above. He and Rampmaster Mike promised to keep it a secret which lasted about 10 seconds and then everybody there was in on it. The Tarpon Guides who were chuckling at the rube getting his picture taken with a skinny little Red suddenly reappeared at my elbow excitedly asking to see the fish and the tag. It was all in good fun and I really appreciated the congratulations.

And yes.........that fish tasted FREAKING AWESOME.

[Bailey]

Congrats...now that you have a new boat coming in, what ya selling?

[TomParis]

I went to Academy just now to buy the lure you used and of course they were sold out of that color. So I got this one, going to try it this afternoon!

20170605_105235 by TomParisOBC, on Flickr

[Apalachee Inshore]

rockyg I have sent you an email