Alabama Saltwater Tournament Action- Where Fishing Is the Real Winner

(Photo L to R: Gary Finch, Tony Kennon, Tom Steber, Maurice Fitzsimons, & Mark Mallet)
(Click on photo for larger view.)

by Steve Layton
Finch Productions, LLC
www.FinchOutdoors.com

Orange Beach Saltwater Series World Championship Tournament 4/4/08 – 5/26/08

Orange Beach Red Snapper World Championship Tournament 8/22/08 – 9/30/08

This season’s saltwater fishing is shaping up to become one of the best for Gulf Coast anglers. The Orange Beach Red Snapper World Championship Tournament, held in Orange Beach, Alabama, has already proven itself to be a real crowd pleaser. Over 30,000 fishermen have already participated in the event and this year the concept has even more to offer the recreational and competitive angler. This world recognized tournament has quickly grown to become a major event on the Gulf Coast calendar and has expanded into becoming a true state celebration of recreational saltwater fishing.

This year, fishermen can double their tournament chances by entering both the Red Snapper World Championship Tournament and the brand new Orange Beach Saltwater Series World Championship Tournament. For only a few dollars, any fisherman can purchase daily tickets to compete in a pair of tournaments that boast a total payout of $300,000 in cash prizes. The best part is, these two tournaments span over 13 weeks of fishing and they include the most popular species sought by Gulf Coast anglers. For lucky fishermen, that translates into multiple opportunities for success!

The proceeds from the two tournaments are directed towards improving and preserving the future of recreational saltwater fishing. In essence, participating anglers are actually fishing for the future of their sport. Last year’s tournament donations, when combined with Alabama’s 3-1 matching funds, generated over $250,000. In the last four years the tournament has raised almost $1,000,000.00. These funds are earmarked for the establishment, and continued maintenance, of the largest saltwater reef building program in the world. Approximately 1,200 square miles of Alabama waters are dedicated to the state’s artificial reef program.

Entrants for the new Orange Beach Saltwater Series World Championship Tournament will be the first to “test the waters” at winning cash with their fishing skills. The tournament format will be similar to the already popular red snapper version. The Orange Beach Saltwater Series World Championship Tournament dates will extend from April 4^th to May 26^th. The major difference in the “Series” tournament will be the variety of fish that can qualify to win and place. The Orange Beach Saltwater Series World Championship Tournament consists of eleven fish which includes; King Mackerel, Tuna, Wahoo, Grouper, Amberjack, Vermilion Snapper, Triggerfish, Cobia, Speckled Trout, Red Fish and Sheepshead. Prizes range from $20,000 for a 1^st place King Mackerel to $10,000 for a 1^st place Speckled Trout, and $10,000 for a 1^st place Redfish. After mentioning those three species, there are still eight other categories of fish and plenty of places to fill!

Later in the fishing season, anglers get to finish out the tournament schedule with what is considered the heavyweight main event. The dates of the Orange Beach Red Snapper World Championship Tournament will span August 22^nd to September 30^th. Fishermen will compete head-to-head off Alabama’s coast to bring home a red snapper worthy of becoming the $25,000 first place winner. A broken state record could result in some lucky angler becoming the owner of a new truck. The tournament will pay out cash prizes for the first 20 places in both the angler and boat categories. Beyond the cash prizes, merchandise will be given out to daily winners.

Anglers and fish aren’t the only winners in this coastal celebration. By honoring their heritage of recreational fishing, Orange Beach businesses stand to benefit from the summer long activities surrounding all the fishing action. A boat show at Lulu’s Homeport Marina and an RV show at the Gulf Park Pavilion are scheduled from April 11^th through the 13^th. These are just the first of the many events that will be associated with the two tournaments.

Historically, recreational fishing contributes approximately $800 million each year to Alabama’s economy. Forward thinking tournament directors have plans for that figure, and their fisheries, to grow through the excitement generated by this popular Gulf Coast celebration.

For more information visit: www.RedSnapperWorldChampionship.com
or call Tournament Director, Tony Kennon at 251-269-0277.