5th Annual Suncoast Fishing Challenge Returns to Bradenton July 17-18 Benefiting Just for Girls
The 5th Annual Jess Jewelers Suncoast Fishing Challenge will return to Bradenton on July 17-18, bringing anglers, families, and community supporters together for a weekend of fishing and fundraising benefiting Just for Girls of Manatee.
Previously known as the Bucket Mouth Challenge, the tournament features red grouper and red snapper divisions along with a bonus mystery fish category. The event will take place at Bahia Mar West Marina, located at 6918 14th Street West in Bradenton.
Tournament festivities begin July 17 with a captains meeting at 7 p.m., immediately followed by the official start of fishing. Anglers are free to begin fishing after the meeting concludes.
Activities continue July 18 with gates opening at 2 p.m. Organizers have planned a full afternoon of community events, including a silent auction, live auction, a free kids fishing tournament, and a fish fry and barbecue during the awards ceremony.
The free kids tournament begins at 2:30 p.m., with rods and bait provided by Discount Tackle. Tournament scales open for weigh-in at 4:30 p.m., with the weigh-in line closing at 6 p.m. Awards and the fish fry ceremony begin at 6:30 p.m.
Prize payouts for the fishing tournament include $4,500 and a trophy for first place, $1,000 and a trophy for second place, and $500 and a trophy for third place.
Early entry fees are $75 per angler through July 11 and increase to $100 per angler from July 12-17. Organizers said all angler entry fees will be donated to the Coastal Conservation Association.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with packages ranging from Bronze Sponsor at $500 to Presenting Sponsor levels of $10,000 or more. Sponsorships help fund scholarships and programs through Just for Girls.
The community is encouraged to fish in the tournament, support as a sponsor, or attend the weekend events to help benefit local youth programs while enjoying a family-friendly waterfront event in Bradenton.
