FOLIO
It’s July, and that can mean only one thing to an offshore fisherman in our area. It’s Kingfish Tournament time! That’s right, this year the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, sponsored by 121 Financial, runs July 13th thru the 18th.
With the 35th annual event comes a major change. The general tournament is no longer a one-day event with a ten-boat shootout on day two. We have returned to the two-day format for all competitors. That’s right, everyone fishes for two days. Prizes will be awarded in the aggregate division as well as the big fish side.
A major top prize is at stake for everyone to go for: how about a brand new 22-foot Sport Contender, powered by a 250-hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engine? Add a custom Pelagic tee top, and place it on top of a brand new Ameritrail aluminum trailer, and you have a 1st place prize worth over $80,000. A big thank you goes out to all of our sponsors for making this happen!
Ten prize places will be paid out on both the aggregate side as well as the big fish side in the general tournament. The biggest fish of the tournament wins the boat. Offshore Jrs will be competing for a brand new Gheenoe, Yamaha motor and trailer package, provided by Atlantic Coast Marine.
Redfish anglers will compete for cash, with three places to be paid on both the largest fish side as well as the the most spots side. The top amount on both sides is $1,500.
Here’s a brief schedule for competitors: Monday, July 13th–Jr Angler captains’ meeting, both offshore and dock; Tuesday, July 14th–fishing day for all Jr Anglers; Wednesday, July 15th–captains’ meeting for the General Tournament; Thursday, July 16th and Friday, the 17th will be General Tournament fishing days; Saturday, July 18th starts with our Redfish tournament, sponsored by C&L Landscaping.
Now for a spectator schedule: the best times to watch the tournament are during the weigh-ins. Jrs on Tuesday start at 1pm and end around 4pm. The general tournament weigh-in times are from 2pm to around 6pm on Thursday and Friday. Redfish usually weigh-in before 2pm on Saturday.
Every day will be packed with exhibitors and vendors, all placed in front of the Liars Tent. Boats, cars, fishing tackle, and a whole lot more, will be on display. Add some great food and drink (both regular and adult), and you’ll have plenty to do.
Be sure to bring the kids out on Saturday. This year we have added a small bounce-house area for their fun time. And there is a free Kids’ Seminar, where the first 100 kids attending get a free rod and reel.
All Tournament activities are held at Jim King Park and Boat Ramp, 8203 Heckscher Dr. That’s right at the Sisters Creek-area of Heckscher. Parking is, as always, free. For more information and exact times go to www.kingfishtournament.com.
DOWN AT THE DOCK FISHING DERBY
Jacksonville Marine Charities and The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament are proud to announce our continued partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, Inc. Together we have created an event for their members to participate in: the “Down at The Dock Fishing Derby” on July 8th. This fishing derby gives individuals the opportunity to experience the excitement of fishing and the chance to enjoy the wonderful outdoor environment that we have in N. Fla. The derby includes a hotdog lunch at 11am, then fishing on the docks from 12-1:30pm at Sisters Creek Park. The GJKT and JMC once again look forward to this event, as we continue to serve our community. We support the DSAJ and hope you will too.
The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, Inc., was established in 1989 as a nonprofit to serve families with individuals who have Down Syndrome. Since that time they have grown from meeting at kitchen tables to hosting events and activities on a weekly basis throughout the community. They are committed to helping people with Down Syndrome achieve their full potential, while working to create a community that is educated, supportive, and inclusive of individuals with Down Syndrome. The DSAJ serves all ages–from birth through adult. They currently serve five counties and partner with twelve agencies that serve families by way of Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Computer Tutoring.
Outside of services, they offer many programs, including a wellness/fitness program that offers basketball, soccer, cheerleading and weight management. The DSAJ provides many educational opportunities for families, educators and medical professionals. Monthly socials for each age group are a definite plus for members. It not only offers fun and relationship building but also respite for the caregiver. The DSAJ supports the On-Campus Transition Program at UNF as well as summer camp at North Florida School of Special Education. We are pleased to partner with the GJKT in this event.
Junior Angler Offshore Tournament Tuesday, July 14, 2015 – Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek
The Jr. Angler Offshore Tournament, established in 1991, promotes the participation of youthful fishermen in a sporting event which encourages conservation of marine life and awareness of the necessity to protect our natural resources.
The Dock Fishing Tournament, for those kids unable to go out on a boat, is a huge success. There will be a hot dog lunch served. Fishing is on the docks and pier located right at the Marina.
As mentioned above, The GJKT, in association with Fish Florida, is proud to announce the continuation of the Junior Angler Seminar Program. An all-kids seminar will be held on Saturday of Tournament Week. The seminar is approximately 45 minutes in length. The first 100 Junior Anglers participating in the seminar will receive a complimentary rod and reel courtesy of Fish Florida.
Follow FOLIO!