The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper


Vol. 17 No. 31 - May 17, 2017

reel time

Annual Crosthwait tournament slated

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Annual Crosthwait Amateur Fishing Tournament at the Bradenton Yacht Club. The 34th installment of the tournament will be held May 19-21. The tournament was founded in 1983 by commodores at the Bradenton Yacht Club in honor of Commodore Colonel Sam Crosthwait. Crosthwait lived and fished in Manatee County for 25 years and was a frequent tournament winner. He fished around the world in many countries, and his ideals of personal conduct, sportsmanship, and love of nature serves as an example for those who fish the tournament. The event, according to organizers is the largest and oldest amateur fishing tournament in Florida. During the tournament, local guides volunteer their time and talents to Project Healing Waters, taking disabled veterans out for a day of fishing followed by lunch.

The tournament is held each year in May, during which hundreds of anglers and thousands of community spectators attend the event, which is run by a volunteer committee of more than 40 people. As with the original tournament, only amateur fisherman may participate. Winning anglers are awarded trophies, cash and prizes. Winners are chosen by a point system and inshore species are released.

Charitable funds derived from sponsors, advertisers and gifts are directed back to the community. With the support of title sponsor, Yellowfin Yachts, organizers hope to add a youth fishing tournament on Saturday, in keeping with Crosthwait's desire to teach kids how to fish and enjoy our local waters.

Over the last 10 years, the tournament has donated more than $150,000 to the community, providing scholarships to support the education of local young anglers, Donations also support the Marine Mechanics Program at Manatee Technical College and the fish and game association.

The tournament begins with a division captain's meeting at 6:30 pm on May 17 at the yacht club. Fishing begins with a River Masters shotgun start on May 19. There are a number of divisions including River Master, inshore, offshore and junior. There start and weigh-in times are spread out over the course of the three-day event. Sunday is the day when the winners are announced following a banquet and entertainment from 3 to 5 p.m. The festivities conclude at 6 p.m. For details, go to the tournament's website http://www.crosthwaitfishing.com.


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