Gulf Breeze Optimist Family Fishing Rodeo takes place May 18 and 19. This year, over $6,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded — one is for $1,000.
The entry fee is $20, and kids age 9 and under are free with an adult entry. The event will be held at Shoreline Park South in Gulf Breeze, with weigh-ins Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.
Come watch the weigh-ins and enjoy a free fish dinner or hot dog, and bid on silent auction items. Cash donations will be given to the Weekend Food Program.
First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
Hook and Line Open Division: Amberjack, Bluefish, Bonito, Dolphin, Flounder, King Mackerel, Lady Fish, Lane Snapper, Ling/Cobia, Mingo Snapper, Pompano, Redfish, (most spots) Red Grouper, Scamp, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Triggerfish, Tuna, Vermilion Snapper, Wahoo, White Trout, Whiting (Total of 23 species)
Junior Division (Age 12 and under): Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, King Mackerel, Ladyfish, Lane Snapper, Mingo Snapper, Pigfish, Pinfish, Pompano, Redfish (most spots), Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Triggerfish, Vermilion Snapper, White Trout, Whiting (Total of 17 species)
Other awards, randomly drawn from ticket holders, will go to Lady Angler, Master Angler, Boy and Girl Angler. Children 5 and under who are registered with an angler and catch a pinfish will receive a rod and reel.
All proceeds are used to benefit youth programs in our local community. The Gulf Breeze Optimist Club is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. Join the Gulf Breeze Optimist Club and make a positive impact in the lives of youth.
Tickets are available at www.gulfbreezeoptimistclub.org; Gulf Breeze Bait and Tackle; Half Hitch Bait and Tackle Navarre; and Outcast Bait and Tackle Pensacola.
For more information, call 261-3731.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Gulf Breeze Optimist Family Fishing Rodeo returns for its 44th year