Along with our partners Elemental Methods, we run tournaments every day of the year, all year long, in our platform iAngler Tournament. Here in Florida, the bulk of those angling events take place between now and the end of spring.
Many of these events raise funds for other charitable organizations, some of which we have partnered with for over 8 years. All of them allow tournament directors to convert from a kill tournament – or displace-then-release tournament – with “catch/photo/release” abilities that is much gentler on the targeted fish. Further, AAF uses this data to help track changes in fish population dynamics, including catch rates, size structure, and reactions to habitat and water quality changes.
One of our very best tournament partnerships has been with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF). Each year, we host three or 4 tournaments for them, which raise almost $1 million each year.
AAF is very pleased to be able to lend a helping hand to such a needed and noble cause while we simultaneously work on habitat restoration, angler education, and fishery management improvements. NPCF appreciates AAF’s vital mission as well. NPCF CEO David Frazer once told me, “Well, if you don’t protect the habitats and water, there won’t be any fish. If there are no fish, there are no NPCF fundraising tournaments. Without those tournaments, some children will not get the medications they need to survive their illness.” As is the case with every NPCF fishing event we support, I drove back across the state that night feeling very satisfied with my weekend’s “work,” which is a funny term for doing something so rewarding while hanging out with people who are fishing and having a great time.
Later this month, AAF will again host the NPCF charity event in Key West (Bear & Burton’s Key West Invitational) that includes a fishing tournament. It also involves a lobster diving contest, then a full-on BBQ competition!
Most of the teams are comprised of national level BBQ companies or competition teams who come in from all over the country to support NPCF and have some fun.
The competition itself is invite only, but the public is welcome to join us for the BBQ competition on Sunday, August 25th, held at the magnificent Ocean’s Edge Resort just inside Key West.
Ocean’s Edge is a gem of a resort, just far enough from downtown Key West to let you feel like you are at a truly isolated resort, yet the nighttime Key West fun is just a short trolly ride away (complementary from the resort).
AAF has hosted hundreds of tournaments through iAngler Tournament, but this is the first one we’ll have a team involved. (AAF Board members Brian Conley and Capt. Will Hubbard will lead the BBQ competition and fishing activities, respectively.)
If you need a slight nudge to head down to Key West, this should be it. Mingling with the anglers and captains at the BBQ competition on Sunday is a great time, and with proceeds going to the NPCF, you can feel great about the whole thing.
Just a couple of weeks later (September 7th), AAF is partnering with WeDoGood and hosting our own fishing tournament in Ft. Pierce, aptly dubbed “Heroes for Habitats”.
This inaugural event will benefit both AAF and WeDoGood, another fantastic charity that donates money directly to families of fallen soldiers and first responders. CEO Charles Dame, who runs the extremely efficient and mission-oriented nonprofit, shared his motivation for getting it all started. “A fellow Marine died saving the lives of me and the other men in our squad. Shortly after I got out of the service, I organized a golf tournament to raise money for his family. I flew to Tennessee afterwards and the moment I handed his wife a check, I knew exactly what I was going to be doing for the rest fo my life.”
With most local tournaments focusing on billfish, KDW, or inshore species, the goal here was to bring something different to the table. Here, anglers will vie for the largest amberjack, best stringer of 5 snapper/grouper, and biggest (catch/photo/release) snook.
Team entry is $250 per boat, with raffle and auction opportunities to walk away a winner even if you don’t catch a single fish.
Captain’s meeting and party will both be held at Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling. The cappy’s meeting will be Friday September 6th at 6:30 PM. Fishing starts Saturday morning, and the awards ceremony and party will be at 4:30PM. Again, the party will be worth swinging by even if you don’t fish the event, with raffle and silent auction deals aplenty, plus food and music. And I can personally assure you, Frasier Creek brews a damn fine beer.
Come join us for either or both events!
Visit ianglertournament.com for info on upcoming tournaments, and stay tuned for our recap stories in upcoming newsletters.