Holiday Fishing Tournament — Dec 28
By Christine Patton
Here’s a fun event that could become a family tradition — the Rod and Gun’s Holiday Fishing Tournament. It’s a classic open-field event for all Rod and Gun members, family and guests, four rods per boat but no restriction on spectators or cheerleaders. No kites or aerial equipment, but all other tackle permitted, and the only limitation on boats is that they must depart and return from Ocean Reef waters. Since the scoring is by weight — 10 points per pound for each of the major species (yellowtail, grouper, snapper, dolphin, tuna, wahoo, etc) and 200 points per billfish release, this tournament can bring home dinner as well as bragging rights, with no entry fee. Sweet!
All the details, including entry forms, is on the Events Calendar at rodandgun.org. There is a Captain’s Meeting on Dec 27 at 5 p.m. sharp in the Fishing Village for at least one member of each boat’s team, with lines in the next day at a very civilized 9 a.m. and out at 3 p.m. — with a winner announced at 4:30.
Here is the perfect way to enjoy post-Christmas family togetherness — out on the water, a rod in hand and plenty of time to catch up on college life or a new job, the world at large or the smallest detail — or conversely, it’s the ideal way to get out of the house and away from the perpetual holiday music and temptations of candy canes! Whichever is your motivation, you owe it to yourself and your guests to show off the spectacular marine wonderland that surrounds us. Go fish!
