Many of the nonprofit organizations serving the children in our community have seen their budgets cut dramatically as a result of the economy and the reduction in government funding. At the same time, the demand for the services they provide has not gone down. In response to this situation, a group of local residents has come together to organize the
SouthShore Professional Fishing Tournament. The tournament will take place Thursday, May 10 and Saturday, May 12, at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, located at 611 Destiny Dr. in Ruskin.
The Honorary Event Chair is Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman. On Thursday, May 10, from 4- 6 p.m., Darren Dannelly, director of the Y’s Camp Cristina in Riverview, will be overseeing a Children’s Tournament. This event is designed to be a hands on, very fun learning experience for children aged 6-12, and their favorite adults. With the assistance of the Home Depot and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Dannelly will be leading children through a variety of activities including the opportunity to fish off of the pier at Little Harbor. Advance registration is required. Teams of one adult and one child can register for $10. A family registration for one adult and up to three children is $15. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.southshoreprofish.com.
Following the Children’s Tournament, the Captain’s Dinner will follow at 7 p.m. in the Royal Palm Ball Room at Little Harbor. In addition to dinner and entertainment, businesses throughout Tampa Bay have donated items for the silent auction and to be given as door prizes to those in attendance.
The Professional Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, beginning with breakfast and registration. This tournament is different than most in the area in that when a team registers to participate in the tournament, a local professionally licensed Charter Captain is hired. Capt. Danny Guarino, of Ruskin, is organizing the Captains. Guarino said, “The Charter Captain is responsible for bringing all the gear and everything required for the fishing excursion.”
Slots for single anglers are available for $500. Teams of three can be registered to $1,250 and a team of four is $1,500.
The volunteers will be present at the Tiki Bar area at Little Harbor at 7:30 a.m to begin checking in teams. Sweetbay Supermarket in Ruskin will be providing lunch and refreshments for the anglers to take with them. All boats will be underway at 9 a.m. and must return by 3 p.m. Anglers will gather, and results will be tabulated for an awards ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Captain’s Quarters at Little Harbor.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit The Rotary Club of South Shore Ruskin, The Rural Social Services Partnership (www.rssphillsborough.org) and Camp Cristina (www.ymcacampcristina.org).
Details and registration forms are available at www.southshoreprofish.com or by calling at 645-3732.
