June 30, 2017
By Florida Sportsman Editor
Jacksonville angler catches STAR tagged redfish and goes home with a brand new 22' Contender Sport performance boat.
CCA Florida, the state's leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, announced the second winner in the nonprofit's signature event - CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha. The CCA Florida member and STAR registered angler chose an $89,000 prize package from Contender Boats, Yamaha Outboards and Rolls Axle Trailer.
Jay Carter of Jacksonville caught the 22” STAR tagged redfish (tag FL 484) on June 26 at the Fort George Inlet near Kingsley Plantation in Duval County. Carter became a CCA Florida member this year and registered for STAR in April. Upon seeing the green STAR tag, Carter immediately notified the organization, per event regulations, and the catch was verified on June 27. “STAR is an amazing way to get people involved in conservation and fishing with their families, shared Carter. “My son and I got registered, I just never thought it would happen to me.” Of the event's major prizes, Carter chose the 2017 Contender 22 Sport with 250 Yamaha and Rolls Axle Trailer.
“We're privileged to partner with CCA Florida to help achieve their goals in promoting conservation,” stated Contender Boats President Joe Neber. “Contender Boats is a lifelong supporter of the organization and will continue to be.”
CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida. Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR focuses on conservation and offers over $500,000 in prizes and scholarships. CCA Florida is using the social media-based, 101-day event to educate 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.
STAR anglers have now claimed over $145,000 in prizes from Pathfinder and Contender, but several remain in the event's STAR Signature Division including a new GMC Sierra Pickup or one of several Yamaha-powered boat packages including a Maverick HPX-S, Sea Hunt 225 Ultra or the Carolina Skiff 21 Sport & Fish. Youth anglers will be eligible to participate in the tagged redfish division with the first two winners taking home a Carolina Skiff 16 JVX CC powered by a 40hp Yamaha.
The STAR Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors offers the opportunity to win one of twelve scholarships totaling $100,000. Other divisions include Conservation and Costa Kick Plastic, which encourage trash and debris collection, Open, Ladies, Fly, Kayak, Lionfish and Professional Guides. Eligible species are spotted seatrout, snook, sheepshead, non-tagged redfish, cobia, dolphin (mahi mahi) and kingfish. 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 our Facebook page or ccaflstar.com.
Contact: Teresa Donaldson| 407.923.3530 | tdonaldson@ccaflorida.org
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.
