The 2016 Manatee Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) banquet and auction is coming to the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 5 to 10 p.m. The Convention Center is located at One Haben Boulevard in Palmetto. This event raises critical funds that help the CCA protect and safeguard fisheries resources. Major sponsors includes Conley Buick and AVID.

The CCA is constantly addressing a host of issues including illegal netting, fair and consistent laws covering size and bag limits and the allocation of resources between recreational and commercial fishermen. The state groups also fund marine-science scholarships, monitor freshwater inflows into estuaries, help build artificial reefs, create finfish hatcheries and much more. On the federal level, the CCA defends net bans, supports pro-fisheries legislation and works to implement bycatch reduction regulations.

The CCA is comprised of 17 state chapters encompassing the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic seaboard, and the Pacific Northwest. A non-profit organization, the CCA was formed in 1977 when overfishing along the Texas coast devastated redfish and speckled trout populations causing 14 alarmed recreational anglers to unite as the Gulf Coast Conservation Association to combat commercial over fishing.

This initial group began its work with the Save the Redfish campaign, and by 1985, a number of chapters had formed along the Gulf Coast. One of the first organizations was the Florida Conservation Association (FCA). By the 90s, the mid-Atlantic region and the New England regioon had chapters, with Washington and Oregon opening chapters in 2007. The organization eventually changed its name to the CCA uniting the state organizations.

Currently the CCA network is engaged in hundreds of local, state, and national projects that support the health of marine fisheries on every level. Through a broad-based recreational angler support system, a strong legal and legislative presence; decades of experience and a unwavering vision for the future of U.S. and global marine resources, the CCA continually battles for the health of our coastal fisheries and for the interests of recreational anglers.

Membership, donations and fund-raisers like the upcoming banquet and auction fund the CCA’s vital work. The event begins with an open bar and raffle, giving supporters and anglers a chance to mingle and bid on a host of items offered in the silent auction. Raffle and auction items include Yamaha motors, Contender, Hell’s Bay and Pathfinder boats, guided local fishing trips, rods and reels, tackle and accessories, and art work. There are also non-fishing related items such as jewelry and services, providing something for everyone.

At 7:30, participants enjoy a gourmet steak dinner and with a live auction that includes exotic fishing vacations including two and a half days of fishing with Capt. Rick Murphy in Cub Cay Bahamas. This trip Includes airfare on Rick’s private plane and accommodations at his home on Chub Cay. There’s also two days of fishing for three with George Poveromo in Islamorada, including three nights at the Pines and Palms Resort. Attendees can also bid on blue fin tuna fishing in Nova Scotia for four, vacation in a private condo in Los Suenos, Costa Rica, and much more.

Tickets cannot be obtained at the door, but can be purchased online at ccaflorida.org. For more information contact Brian Gorski at 941-720-4446 or Ron Crowder at 941-795-8442, ext. 101.

If you’re not a member of the CCA and enjoy fishing, consider joining. There are a number of membership levels starting with a $30 standard membership. Benefits include a one year membership, member card, membership decal, state fish decal and a one year subscription to the award-winning TIDE magazine. To join go to http://www.joincca.org/.