Inaugural fishing tourney will see who can catch the most different species

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By Mike Hamson
Special Correspondent 
Published: April 20, 2016

RUSKIN — From high leaping snook and easy-to-catch trout to redfish that roam the shallow waters, the species of fish will matter to anglers competing in the first Tampa Bay Fishing Tournament.

Rick Rios of Valrico, a board member for the Greater Brandon Community Foundation Inc., said the nonprofit organization will host its inaugural fishing tournament May 13. Registration is at 7 a.m. followed by an 8 a.m. launch and noon awards party at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, 536 Bahia Beach Blvd.

“This is the first year we are doing the tournament,” Rios said. “We wanted it to be fun and a little different. We are not giving away cash prizes because it’s for charity. We are giving away trophies. Our first-place winner will be the boat that catches the most different species of fish.”

The tournament is a “boat tournament,” which means anglers will only be able to participate as part of a purchased boat and not as individuals. Although children are welcome to be on a boat, it is not a kids’ fishing tournament, Rios emphasized.

The evening prior to the fishing tournament, the foundation will host a Captain’s Party. The party, featuring food, a raffle and a silent auction, is May 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops, 10501 Palm River Road, Tampa.

“We are casting off from Little Harbor in Ruskin,” he said. “We have such great facilities for this kind of event we thought it was a natural fit.”

To break a tie, he said they will look at the length of the fish caught.

Liz Brewer of Valrico, the executive director of the Greater Brandon Community Foundation, Inc., said the fundraising goal is $50,000.

“The foundation has our charity golf classic, which is our signature event held in March, but we are excited about this event because we can reach a new audience and raise awareness about the work of the foundation,” Brewer said.

Brewer, who was named executive director in January 2015, said the proceeds of the event will be distributed to the Greater Brandon Community Foundation Inc. and The Boys & Girls Club of Riverview. The fundraiser will also benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Brandon Foundation is known for its Angel program, which helps local families struggling with life-threatening diseases or catastrophic events.

Sponsorship packages for the tournament are available with costs ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

In addition to sponsors, Brewer hopes to find people who will donate fishing poles, fishing gear and tickets to amusement parks for baskets to be raffled off at the Captain’s Party.

Trophies will be given to the boats that come in first, second and third. For more information on the tournament, visit tbfishing.com.

For information on the Greater Brandon Community Foundation, 1210 Millennium Parkway, Suite 2010, Brandon, call (813) 689-6889.

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