October 31, 2012
By Florida Sportsman
Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, Fishing Florida Radio and our event sponsors proudly present the 4th Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby to be held From November 3 to March 3, 2013 in the Greater Orlando area. The three month long catch photo and release (CPR) derby is free to all anglers who register at any of our derby sponsor sign-up spots. Anglers will have the first opportunity to enter the night of November 1st at the Kick-Off and Anglers Registration Meeting located at the World of Beer Lake Mary. The Derby starts Saturday November 3rd.
Anglers are permitted to fish anywhere they choose in Florida, and as much as they want during the derby timeframe. All participants must log into and upload their photos to www.cfshadderby.com. All photos must be taken using the official derby measuring device and include the official derby sponsor token.
There are two grand prize winners for the largest shad and largest crappie, and ten division prizes in ladies, youth, men's, pro, and fly categories to be awarded. It only takes one fish to win! This year's Derby will award over $5,000 in prizes!
American and Hickory shad are an anadromous species that return to the St. Johns River every spring to spawn, and their run is the closest we Floridians will ever see to the salmon runs experienced in the northeastern and northwestern coasts of North America. Crappies on the other hand are year round residents of Central Florida that inhabit all freshwater lakes and waterways. Black crappies are abundant during the colder months of the year and they are fun to catch using the same tackle, baits and techniques as shad.
Derby Dates:
Thursday, November 1, 2012 - Visit World of Beer Lake Mary for the Kick-Off and Anglers Registration Meeting, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. "Free Seminars" instructed by Charlie McCullough, "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season". Event includes giveaways and a raffle to benefit Anglers for Conservation and Hook Kids on Fishing. World of Beer Lake Mary is located at 1125 Townpark Avenue, Lake Mary, FL 32746. For directions visit www.wobusa.com/lakemary, or call (407) 878-6693.
November 3, 2012 - Derby starts at safe light. (Both shad and crappie derbies)
Saturday, December 1, 2012 - 11:00 - 2:00 p.m., Free Crappie Rally at Boat Tree Marina www.boattreemarina.com. "Free Seminar" Instructed by Captain Tom Van Horn and Charlie McCullough, "Catching American Shad & Crappie". Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program.
Thursday, January 10, 2013 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Free Shad and Crappie Seminar at Dick's Sporting Goods Visit: www.dickssportinggoods.com. "Free Seminars" by Coastal Angler Magazine's Charlie McCullough and Anglers for Conservation's Captain Tom Van Horn will teach folks what you need to catch shad and crappie in the Orlando area and see how easy it is to have fun on the water. Tips and techniques will include fly, casting, trolling, and wading for both shad and crappie.
Saturday, February 9, 2013 - 11:00 - 2:00 p.m., Free Shad Rally at C. S. Lee Park Boat Ramp in Geneva, on Hwy 46 in Geneva, Florida - "Free Seminar" instructed by Captain Tom Van Horn, Capt. Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program. Visit www.cfshadderby.com for details.
Saturday, March 3, 2013 - Tournament ends at sunset...good luck fishing!
Thursday March 7, 2013 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Derby Awards at World of Beer Altamonte Springs, 155 Cranes Roost Boulevard, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, (407) 834-2337. Who will catch that one big fish? Over $5,000 in prizes! - Two grand prizes and ten division prizes to be awarded to twelve lucky anglers.
