CCA_California Star Fishing Tournament Set To Debut In May

The following press release is courtesy of the Coastal Conservation Association of California:

CCA California Announces Inaugural Statewide

STAR Saltwater Fishing Series

The non-profit conservation organization is set to launch the season-long 2024 STAR Series with a host of eligible species, chances to win weekly prizes, and a shot at one of 10 grand prizes, including a new Parker fishing boat with a Yamaha outboard and trailer.

The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA California) is set to launch the STAR Series—promising to become one of the largest season-long saltwater fishing tournaments in the Golden State.

Spanning the entire coast of California, including all state and US waters, the STAR Series will kick off on Memorial Day weekend 2024 and run through Labor Day 2024 with a host of eligible species and weekly winners, as well as overall grand prize winners. Anglers will use the free Fishing Chaos app to easily register a catch and facilitate live releases, if they choose.

“The series is open to party boat, private boat and shore anglers alike, helping ensure enormous participation,” says Chris Wheaton, chair of the CCA CAL STAR Series Committee. “Our goal is for this to become the biggest saltwater fishing event in the state of California.”

Photo courtesy of Coastal Conservation Association of California

Registration is just $40 for current CCA CAL members. Non-members can participate by joining CCA CAL, and then registering. All entries include a durable rollup vinyl measuring tape, as entry will be based on length, not weight, to expedite live releases, if desired. Signups will begin in January 2024, with the official kickoff at the Bart Hall Long Beach Fishing Tackle and Boat Show, January 25-28, 2024.

Eligible fish will include saltwater bass (minimum 18 inches), California halibut (minimum 28 inches), California yellowtail, white seabass, and tuna (minimum 36 inches for the last three). Using the Fishing Chaos app, anglers can submit up two entries per category per day throughout the summer, and each registered catch earns a chance to win prizes in the weekly drawings, as well as one of the ten grand prizes at the conclusion of the 14-week tournament. Grand prizes will include a 2024 Parker 18’ Center Console with a Yamaha 150 hp outboard and a trailer.  There will also be a separate category and prize package drawn from every participant that submits a White seabass head during the event as an incentive to get CCA the much needed DNA sampling.

The inaugural STAR Series begins on May 25, 2024, and runs through Labor Day, September 2, 2024. Tournament grand prizes include:

2024 Parker 18’ SE Center Console, with a 150 HP Outboard Motor from Yamaha

Week-long trip to Costa Rica with Fishing Nosara

E-Bike from Tern Bikes

Trip to Cedros Island with Cedros Kayak Fishing

Premium Package from Costa Sunglasses

5 Day, 4 Night Trip to Alaska or Baja with Pacific Sportfishing Alliance

Guided Fly Fishing Trip in Sitka with Sitka Fish

NK180 Electric Motor from Newport Vessels

Trip to La Paz with Tailhunter International

3-Day Trip on the Intrepid

To learn more, read the official STAR Series rules or to register, visit CCACalifornia.org/STAR

ABOUT CCA CAL: The non-profit Coastal Conservation Association of California was created in 2015 when recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts came together to work for the conservation and enhancement of our marine resources and coastal environments. Today, we are working to protect not only the health, habitat, and sustainability of our marine resources, as well as the interests of saltwater anglers. Our goal is to protect your access to the marine resources you cherish and enjoy every day. CCA CAL consists of members spread across local chapters in California and growing every day.