STAR tagged redfish caught on Florida’s Sports Coast, Pasco County – registered angler chooses $48,000+ GMC Sierra.

Orlando, FL – CCA Florida, the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, today shared details on the first winner in the nonprofit’s signature event - CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha. The registered angler, Clifford Herring from Hudson, will walk away with a $48,000+ prize package from Conley Buick GMC of Bradenton, FL. Herring is the sixth angler to catch a STAR iHeart Radio Tagged Redfish, and first to be registered and eligible to win.

Herring caught a 2019 Duke Energy reared STAR iHeart Radio Tagged Redfish (tag FL442) on June 22nd near Green Key in Pasco County. A CCA Florida member since 2016, Herring immediately notified the organization, per event regulations. “I have been fishing for the truck for three years. The first two reds I caught, nope, no tag. The third fish, I get to the kayak and holy cow, there is a tag, it was an angler’s dream.” Of the event’s major prizes, Herring chose the 2019 GMC Sierra pickup truck from Conley Buick GMC, one of the event partners.

The CCA Florida STAR competition kicked off on Memorial Day weekend, engaging anglers of all ages and skill levels in conservation. The 101-day event invites anglers of all ages and skill levels to walk away with their share of $500,000 in prizes. Remaining prizes in the event’s signature division include one of several boat packages including a Contender Boats 22 Sport with Rolls Axle trailer, a Pathfinder Boats 2200 TRS, a Hewes Redfisher 16, a 21’ Carolina Skiff, or a Relentless Boats 24’ Aluminum Bay/Flats boat, all powered by Yamaha Outboards. Youth winners in the signature division have an opportunity to win one of two 16’ Carolina Skiffs with Yamaha motor, Minn Kota Trolling motor, Humminbird electronics and shallow water anchor, sitting on a trailer.

The CCA Florida STAR competition releases an average of four tagged redfish per coastal county in the state. Each year during the competition, unregistered anglers catch the fish and call, per tag instructions. And each year, most anglers who catch these tagged fish miss out on a $40,000+ prize package because they aren’t registered, or never thought it would happen to them. Since its inception, the competition has awarded five prizes in the signature tagged redfish division, with over 90 tagged redfish caught and over $900,000 in prizes awarded in the competitions. Registration remains open throughout the 2019 competition until Labor Day.

With 16 additional divisions, prizes are awarded by random drawing in several divisions and include cash payouts, more boats, fishing tackle and marine electronics. As in past years, current New Tide Members (CCA members ages 6 – 17) can enjoy continued free registration in the Youth Scholarship Division, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, which offers $100,000 in scholarships. For a full list of divisions, visitccaflstar.com.

For more information on STAR, or to register, visit ccaflstar.com.

Contact: Teresa Donaldson| 407.923.3530 | tdonaldson@ccaflorida.org

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About CCA Florida

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.