As 2016 draws to a close, it may be time to start planning some fishing tournament fun or fishing vacation r for 2017. Here are some excellent opportunities that might interest the avid fisherman.
Gull Lake Ice Fishing Tournament
Over 10,000 people come to Gull Lake, Minnesota, for this ice fishing tournament in late January. The event centers around 20,000 pre-drilled holes so that everyone can join in the fun. If you have never ice fished, then this tournament invites you to give it a try. They say that most fish are caught between 50 and 60 feet deep. All contestants are urged to run to the weigh-in table, while others cheer for them especially when they fall on the slippery ice.
Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament
Last year, the winning boat at this thrilling tourney held in late April near Miami Beach received $30,000. It took the team catching sailfish, kingfish, and cobia to win. Make your plans now because even if you do not win the complimentary food is fantastic. Numerous 20 and 30-pound fish were caught during this exciting weekend affair.
Lake Havasu City Striper Derby
May brings the Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Striper Derby each year. Over $100,000 is given away each year in prize money. This event tries to keep it fun for everyone by offering different contests for various ability levels including some for families.
Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo
The Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo has been occurring for more than 50 years. Last year, this tournament paid out more than $86,950 in prize money with the winning team taking home $35,194. Last year, the winning team donated a significant share of their winnings to help create an artificial reef and another large share to the Wounded Anglers project. This tournament is definitely not to be missed.
Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby
Mid-June brings the Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby to Burlington, Vermont. More than $300,000 is paid out to anglers participating in this fun event that includes several special categories. Since this tournament gives out over 150 awards, it should be easy for everyone to bring home a little something from this tourney. This tournament on Father’s Day weekend offers loads of fishing fun for the entire family including opportunities to win prizes just for catching fish with a particular tag.
White Marlin Derby
The White Marlin Derby pays out over $2.3 million in prize money annually during its August tournament. The week-long event sees over 1,000 anglers competing for the title each year. The event also sees many spectators gather by the scale in hopes of watching the big fish get weighed.
These are just a few of the largest fishing tournaments in the United States. Join the fun by participating in the coming year. Each provides an excellent opportunity for camaraderie and a chance to try out new fishing grounds.
Photo source: Sun Sentinel
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