To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Stinky's Fish Camp is going all out for its upcoming annual fall fishing tournament.
The Stinky's Fall Pompano Beach to Bay Grand Slam Fishing Tournament is scheduled Oct. 1-28. It comes with a new name, new rules and one last chance to take advantage of warmer weather.
Here's what we know.
What's new?
Outside of a name change, the next significant change for this year's tournament is the inclusion of pompano in the list of available species to fish. The traditional lineup of redfish, trout and whiting will still return. It is hoped this change will raise the stakes of the competition and attract more participants to the tournament.
The change will also allow more anglers to keep Choctawhatchee Bay in play during the tournament.
“Our team works hard to host two of the most competitive annual fishing tournaments in Walton County," chef and tournament originator Jim Richard said in a statement. "We are honored to facilitate events that highlight our precious natural resources. Both fall and spring tournaments are fun for all skill levels of anglers, but the unique length of our tournaments make them a challenge for professionals, and fishing enthusiasts alike.”
What do I need to know?
To win the grand slam, one must have the heaviest aggregate weight of three of the four fish eligible, but one of the fish must be a speckled trout to claim the prize. If results are tied, it will be the first to complete the challenge.
All competitors must follow all laws set forth by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Any fish that is caught must be on a hook and line with either live or artificial bait. Using cast nets, entanglement nets, gigs or traps is prohibited.
What are the prizes for this year?
Last year, the purse for the tournament included more than $4,500 in cash and prizes. This year, through a combination of sponsorships and donations, the event organizers expect the prize pool to exceed that mark.
“We could not do this without our sponsors. Year after year they return, and most of our sponsors choose to support both tournaments (spring and fall). Growing the tournament means we must grow the purse,” said Richard.
Want to sign up?
You don't have to live in Okaloosa or Walton counties to participate in the tournament as the waters of Bay, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties are also eligible.
Registration will open Sept. 15 at Stinky's Bait Shack, 5994 County Highway 30A. Participants can either register in person, by phone at 850-622-2248, or online at
www.StinkysBaitShop.com
“This tournament made me a better fisherman because I had to change the way I fish to catch a flounder," last year's winner, Clayton Bonjean, said in a statement. "I wake up before dawn to go fishing. It is a time of day where my real estate clients aren’t calling and it doesn’t interfere with my family time. It’s a peaceful start of my day and it is the best time for fishing."
The registration fee for the tournament will be set at $50. All forms must be received at least 24 hours before the weigh-in on October 1.
Weigh-ins begin at 8 a.m. on October 1 at Stinky's Bait Shack.
