East Coast to be included in CCA Floria STAR tournament in 2016

CCA Florida would like to invite you to join fishing celebrities, political figures, outdoor enthusiasts and other media to learn more about Coastal Conservation Association and the first annual CCA Florida STAR Tournament going state-wide.

STAR is expanding to the east coast! Last year's CCA Florida STAR tournament on the Gulf coast was so successful that the tournament is including all of Florida for 2016. CCA Florida will release over 150 specially tagged redfish, making them the STAR attraction in the CCA Florida State-wide Tournament and Anglers Rodeo (STAR). This year's kick-off is at sunrise on Saturday, May 28, Memorial Day weekend and ends at sunset, Labor Day, September 5 offering participants a total of 101 fishing days!

A chance to win nearly $500,000 in prizes & scholarships makes CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha the largest family friendly saltwater fishing competition in the state. Catch one of the first tagged redfish and anglers could win a new GMC Pick-up truck, boat, motor and trailer package worth over $40,000 or a college scholarship worth up to $25,000. Entering a photo of any of the other eligible species caught in the additional divisions offers the opportunity to win more terrific prizes.

STAR Florida is a Catch & Photo tournament designed to educate the general public about the importance of conservation of Florida's marine resources. CCA's state-of-the-art smart phone app eliminates the need for anglers to bring their entry to a weigh-in. To enter their catch anglers will enter a photo of their fish on the official measuring device via the app right from the shore, boat, dock, or boat ramp. This format encourages sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages to protect and conserve Florida's fishery for future generations.

The signature division will have CCA Florida officials releasing 4 or more STAR tagged redfish per coastal county throughout hundreds of miles of Florida's coastal waters and bays, from Pensacola to the Everglades National Park and along the east coast of Florida from the Georgia border to Homestead and the Keys.

STAR will also feature an Open, Ladies, Fly, Kayak, Lionfish and Professional Guides division. Eligible species are Spotted Seatrout, Snook, Sheepshead, Redfish, Cobia, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) & Kingfish. The STAR Youth Division offers New Tide member's free entry into STAR and the opportunity to win their share of scholarships valued at $100,000.

The newest additions to Florida STAR are Open Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Open Kingfish and Lionfish. CCA will reward the top three participants who harvest the most Lionfish during the 101 days of STAR. Plus this year youth anglers will be eligible to participate in the tagged redfish division with their prizes being scholarships and non-tagged redfish will be an eligible species in the Ladies, Fly, Kayak and Youth divisions.

If you would like to request further information and photos please contact lfitzgerald@ccaflorida.com visit the website www.ccaflstar.com or call 352-665-4868.