Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo Tournament in August

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. (May 25, 2011) — Have you heard the Amelia Island fishing news? Fishermen, fisher gals and junior anglers have a new fishing tournament to look forward to this summer. The “Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo” presented by the Nassau Sport Fishing Association (NSFA).

Amelia Island is all about the beach and water — the ocean, the river, and the creeks. The planning of a new family-oriented fishing tournament in Fernandina is well underway and is an opportunity to get families and friends out fishing together. The chance for prizes makes it all the more fun!

Formerly called the “Nassau Sport Fishing Association Tournament of Champions,” the event is still an SKA sanctioned kingfish tournament that now targets a variety of deep sea and backwater game fish. The event has also been moved from the second week of June to August 5-7, 2011 with a totally new format.

According to the NSFA, several factors were taken into consideration while changing the event to a more family-oriented tournament with one day of competition on Saturday, August 6, 2011 (rain date is Sunday, August 7). The all new Fernandina Beach fishing event was scheduled for the month of August when fishing for a variety of game fish is best.

The fee to enter the rodeo is $100 per boat and the largest fish of 10 species can bring winner up to $1,000. Deep sea species for the rodeo portion of the event include amberjack, dolphin, grouper, wahoo and cobia. Backwater species include redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead and the redfish with the most “spots.”

The kingfish portion of the tournament requires a $350 entry fee and cash prizes will be given for nine places for the largest fish and 2nd place winners for “the heaviest 2 kingfish aggregate weight.”

The fishing event will also give awards to junior angler, lady angler and 23-foot-and-under boat winners.

Mark your calendars to be in Fernandina Friday evening, August 5, 2011 for the Fishing Rodeo’s captains’ meeting, to coincide with “Sounds on Centre” free street music concert 6-8 pm on historic Centre Street in the historic district.

For more information call the tournament headquarters, Amelia Angler Outfitters 904-261-2870. Terry Lacoss is the Tournament Director. Amelia Angler Outfitters has a new location at 111 Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.