March 07, 2013
By Florida Sportsman Newswire
Anglers from all over the country already signing up.
The SWFKAA Inshore Kayak Classic for 2013 will be held April 19th and 20th. The event, which allows angler to fish overnight from the Captain's meeting till the weigh in the next day, is one of the largest kayak tournaments on the west coast of Florida. “Last year we had 50 anglers,” said Bob Bramblet, SWFKAA President. “This year we expect close to 100."
The Captain's meeting and weigh-in are being held at Lansdowne Street Pub in Bonita Springs and will feature great food provided by the staff, as well as live music by the Michael King Band. Anglers will compete for cash and prizes, including a brand new Hobie Mirage Outback provided by Estero River Outfitters.
The event will also include a raffle and silent auction and all proceeds will benefit Josh Stuller whose family owns Estero River Outfitters. December 3, 2004 is a day that forever altered Josh Stuller's life. That day, a tragic motorcycle accident near San Carlos Park sent him into intensive care with severe neck and spinal cord injuries and collapsed lungs. He spent the better part of a year in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, which wasn't easy for an outdoor, adventure-loving 18-year-old. 9 years later, Josh remains paralyzed and suffers from constant pain. Yet he continues to help run the family business, which is the headline sponsor for this year's event.
The Captain's meeting begins at 6pm on Friday the 19th. At the conclusion, tournament staff will fire a signal cannon and anglers can fish from then till 1:30pm the next day. “It's a unique format that works well”, according to SWFKAA Vice President, Jim VanPelt. “There is a lot of excitement and we already have people signed up from North Carolina and California”. For more information and a complete list of rules anglers can visit www.swfkaa.com.
