From Capt. Rodney Smith - Space Coast

For the first time in sports fishing history, anglers will converge on Florida’s central east coast to compete in the inaugural Space Coast International Surf Fishing Tournament being held on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, 2012.  Sport’s Page Bar & Grill in Satellite Beach, Florida will host both the pre-tournament Kickoff Party scheduled for the evening of Friday, May 25; and the post Tournament Awards Party on Sunday afternoon, May 27. The fishing days will take place on May 26 and May 27. A portion of the Space Coast International Surf Fishing Tournament proceeds will be donated to the Anglers for Conservation’s Marine Stewardship Programs.

 

The Space Coast has already been dubbed both the Redfish Capital of the World and the Spotted Seatrout Capital of the World. It is now position to earn its rightful crown as the Surf Fishing Capital of the World.

 

This unique tournament will be open to anglers with a wide range of skills and experience as they come together to fish the world’s most bountiful and accessible waters for two days of competing for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Three of the world’s top game fish — snook, tarpon and redfish will be targeted; as well as bluefish, whiting, shark, flounder, sheepshead, pompano and black drum. For all the species, except tarpon, the angler catching the one fish with largest overall length will be declared the winner. The tarpon winner will be decided by number of DNA samples from released tarpon.

 

A one thousand dollar cash prize will be awarded to the longest fish caught by a Beach Division Angler; and another one thousand dollar prize will be awarded to the angler winning the Paddle Division Angler. First, second and third place winners in the Youth Division will receive trophies and prizes.

Located less than an hour’s drive east of Orlando’s International Airport, experienced anglers have long considered Florida’s east coast a surf fishing paradise because of its accessibility, diversity of species and history of world class catches. This along with a combination of other factors provides the foundation for a very memorable, once-in-a-lifetime fishing experience. Florida’s Space Coast has over 72 miles of beaches and countless beach access points, providing a superb location to bring about this world-class, first-of-its kind surf fishing event — Space Coast International Surf Fishing Tournament on May 25-27, 2012.

For information regarding sponsorships for this inaugural event, visit the website, www.internationalsurffishingtournament.com; phone, 321-693-1777; email contact@pureoceantv.com; or visit www.pureoceantv.com.