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Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament raises over $18,000 for Tampa Bay Waterkeeper

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TAMPA – Over 80 anglers showed up to the first Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament on March 13 and 14. The tournament serves as a fundraiser for Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, an organization dedicated to clean water and safeguarding our coastal and inland waters using the law, science and community action. The event raised over $18,000 for the local charity.

The Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament was a two-day fly fishing-only, catch & release redfish tournament with an optional Snook Calcutta with a 50/50 cash payout. The proceeds from entry fees, 50% of the Snook Calcutta and raffle tickets purchases directly benefit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The captain's meeting was held virtually via Zoom and the weigh-in was conducted by photo and email. This year, the tournament was limited to 50 teams or 100 anglers total. An award ceremony and raffle with many high-end/high-value products were held at the Bradenton Yacht Club on March 14 with dinner sponsored by Hells Bay Boatworks, raw oyster bar by Lost Coast Oysters (sponsored by Bank OZK) and beer donated by 3 Daughters Brewing.

Awards were as follows:
  • First Place / Grand Champion was awarded to the highest combination of two longest redfish between Day #1 and Day #2. This award went to team Salty Hook Charters - Chris Wiggins and Tom Diana 66“.
  • Second Place was awarded to the second-highest combination of two longest redfish between Day #1 and Day #2. This award went to team Orvis - Trip Saunders and Jon Brett 64“.
  • Third Place was awarded to the third-highest combination of two longest redfish between Day #1 and Day #2. This award went to team Juice - Greg Peterson and Chris Dierlam 63.75“.
  • Snook Calcutta Winners were Team Carbon Marine - Joe Welbourn and Kyle Staton.


The event was made possible with the support of the following sponsors: Hess Spinal and Medical Centers (Platinum Sponsor), Borrell Electric Co (Gold Sponsor), Captains for Clean Water (Silver Sponsor), Red Medical Legal (Silver Sponsor), Live Watersports, Carbon Marine, Power Pole, Rhodan Marine, Scott Fly Rods, Orvis, Artist Yusniel Santos, Traeger Wood Pellet Grills, Captain Brian Jill, Smith Optics, Echo Fly Rods, Waterworks Lamson/Chouinard Outdoors, Artist Cody Richardson, Compound Board Shop, Skinny Water Culture, Florida Fishing Products, Bull Bay Rods, Tampa Bay On The Fly, Reqip’d, AFTCO, Fishpond, Chico Fernandez, Monte Burke, Cortland Lines, RCI Optics, Tampa Fishing Outfitters, Fresh Catch Coffee, Safety Harbor Outfitters, Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp, Poncho Outdoors, Uniform Name Tape, Antonio Castellvi MD, Bar Fly, Wes Tallyn, Fishpond, Smith.

Due to the success of this year’s tournament, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper is looking forward to hosting again in Spring 2022.

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