CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha offers Floridians of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to win nearly $500,000 in prizes and scholarships during the nearly 100-day fishing competition
Orlando, Fla. – June 8, 2020 – CCA Florida, the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education, and advocacy, will launch the sixth annual CCA Florida STAR competition on July 1. The summer-long event invites anglers and non-anglers to participate and win their share of prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships, and more.
Launched in 2015, STAR focuses on conservation with its catch, photo, and release format and unique, garbage division. Additionally, the STAR competition is driven by its smartphone app, which promotes the proper handling of species and allows participants to upload competition photos, eliminating the requirement to harvest or capture and transport fish. CCA Florida also uses the app to educate the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources.
“In the past five years, it’s been amazing to see STAR participants catch more fish, release them back to the water, and support recovery efforts – all to conserve and enhance our state’s coastal waters and marine resources.” CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald said. “But, what’s been just as exciting, is awarding more than $1 million in prizes, including $500,000 exclusively for youth scholarships, to the thousands of STAR registrants.
The 2020 STAR competition is comprised of 17 divisions targeting 12 species. STAR’s signature category is the iHeart Radio Tagged Redfish Division, and prizes in this exclusive division include a Contender Boats 22 Sport, Pathfinder Boats 2200 TRS, Hewes Redfisher 16, and 21’ Carolina Skiff all powered by Yamaha Outboards. For the first two youth anglers who win this division, prizes include two Salt Marsh Skiff 1656 tiller boats powered with Yamaha Outboards, trailers, Minn Kota trolling motors, and Humminbird electronics.
This year’s newest division, the Tagged Dolphin Division (Mahi Mahi), offers one winner a $10,000 cash prize. The first STAR registrant and CCA Florida member who catches one of the eligible, 20-tagged dolphins, tagged and released in the coastal waters of Florida by the Dolphin Research program implemented by the Beyond Our Shores Foundation, will win.
STAR is a family-friendly competition, and CCA Florida youth members (ages 6 to 17) can participate for free. Kids are encouraged to submit entries in the Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors for a chance to win a scholarship, with more than $100,000 available.
Other divisions include ladies, kayaks, guides, and many more. Since most division winners are determined by a random drawing, it is not about catching the biggest fish but submitting the most qualifying entries.
STAR’s technology-based format encourages participants of all ages to protect and conserve Florida’s fisheries for today and future generations. Registration is open and ends October 4.
To register for STAR 2020 or receive additional information on divisions, prizes, and more, visit ccaflstar.com or Facebook.
Contact: Mary Hillyer Peelen| 407.617.0604 | mhpeelen@ccaflorida.org
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About CCA Florida
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on the conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives, and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org
