July 10, 2018
By Florida Sportsman Editor
16 STAR Tagged Redfish caught to date in CCA Florida STAR statewide event; Panhandle angler is the 2nd to be registered and eligible for event's major prizes.
A Panhandle angler is the newest winner in the state's largest family-friendly fishing competition, CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha. Andrew Brown from Pensacola caught a STAR Tagged Redfish (tag #522) while wade fishing in Santa Rosa Bay. Brown met with CCA Florida representatives for verification on July 8 at Outcast Bait and Tackle in Pensacola and has chosen the Contender Boats, Inc. 22 Sport with 200 HP Yamaha and Rolls Axle Trailer, a $79,000 prize package. Brown has been a CCA Florida member since 2015 and registered for and participated in STAR each year since the event's inception.
“Andrew is a perfect example of how it's done,” stated STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald. “It was his first chance of the year to get on the water after some health issues, and he made sure his membership was current and that he was registered for STAR. He shared that he was not going fishing without being registered.”
While the Tagged Redfish Division is the event's most publicized division, with remaining prizes including a Conley Buick GMC Sierra Pickup or one of several Yamaha-powered boat packages from Hewes Boats, Carolina Skiff and Cottonmouth Boats, the event has 17 divisions and many opportunities to win, with most divisions determined by random drawing of all anglers who submit catch photos. Anglers of all ages and skill levels have opportunities to win, and kids ages 6-17 can register for free with their current ($10) CCA Florida youth membership. Registration is $40 for current CCA Florida members, or $75 for non-members, which includes CCA Florida membership. STAR runs through Labor Day and anglers are encouraged to fish the next 56 days of the competition.
“We've had 16 tagged redfish caught this season, but only two winners, simply because anglers weren't registered and didn't think it could happen to them,” said Brian Gorski, CCA Florida Executive Director. “And it's not just about the tagged redfish, though prizes in that division are amazing, but there are so many ways for anglers to win in STAR, you just have to register.”
All entries must be photographed with the official 2018 CCA Florida Measuring Device, which is available free of charge at various locations throughout the state, including all Florida West Marine stores, the preferred distribution location. For a full listing of measuring device locations, visit ccaflstar.com.
For more information on STAR, or to register, visit ccaflstar.com.
Photo attached: Pictured left to right, Tommy Holms, owner of Outcast Bait & Tackle, Kent Creel, and STAR winning angler Andrew Brown.
