Capt. Tommy Thompson's Saltwater Angler's Guides

The Sarasota chapter of Coastal Conservation Association will host their 15^th annual “Photo All-Release Challenge” fishing tournament on April 23^rd & 24^th, 2010. This year’s tournament headquarters will be at the Potter Building at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. There will be a mandatory angler meeting on Friday evening, April 23^rd at the Potter Building. The tournament features a catch-photo-release format for snook, redfish and trout with anglers using identical boxes of lures or flies that are provided. Fishing begins Saturday morning and all anglers must turn in their photos at New Pass Grill & Bait Shop by 3:00 pm.

Anglers will photograph their catch with their own digital cameras, which must have a removable memory card. Divisions include Grand Slam (largest snook, redfish and trout), Angler (most inches per species), Largest Fish (each species), Lady Angler (largest fish, each species), Fly Rod and Youth. New this year is a Fly Fishing Club competition for members of fly fishing clubs competing in the Fly Rod division. The tournament, which raises money for CCA’s conservation projects, also features an upscale raffle, a silent auction and an awards dinner on Saturday evening. Cost is $85 per angler and $30 for youth anglers (12 years old and younger). Anglers must register in advance. Applications will be available at fishing tackle shops, marinas and boating stores in Sarasota and Manatee counties and online at www.ccaflorida.org/chapters/sarasota.html Contact Brian Gorski at (941) 531-4019 or Capt. Bruce Burkhart at (941) 922-3675 for more information.