JCAA 2OOO FLUKE TOURNAMENT A PROVEN SUCCESS

By Phil Celmer

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association July 2000 Newsletter)

Anglers living within the tri-state area of New Jersey and beyond showed their support for the Jersey Coast Anglers Association by entering the largest one-day fluke fishing tournament along the Jersey Shore.  The JCAA is an organization that represents the environmental needs of marine sport fishermen, promotes economic equality for all marine anglers using our aquatic resources and is deeply involved in introducing our young people to fishing as an alternative to gangs, drugs and violence.

On June 10, 2000, a total of eight hundred sixty-four boats were registered for the JCAA 6th Annual Fluke Fishing Tournament.  Approximately 5,184 anglers used their best fishing skills to compete for cash prizes and a variety of fishing equipment that would satisfy any anglers dream.   The grand awards ceremony was hosted by Resort’s Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ and our accommodations for the evening were spectacular.  Tournament participants enjoyed the luxurious setting of two Resorts Casino Ball Rooms and Fine Dining Buffet Suite to witness the drawing of the Grand Prize, a Cobia Boat, Yamaha Outboard Motor/Shoreland’r Trailer; and fabulous door prizes from our sponsors.

This tournament could not have been possible without all the time and effort put in by Rich Pasko, our Tournament Director.  Rich’s volunteer work made this the biggest tournament ever in New Jersey.  Phil Celmer, our office manager, was in the office until all hours of the night.  The JCAA board members would like to thank the families of these two gentlemen for being understanding while they worked on this tournament.  Sincere thanks go to all of our sponsors. We appreciate their continuing support.  The major sponsors were; Resorts Casino Hotel, Cobia Boats, Yamaha, Shoreland’r Trailers, Boater’s World Marine Centers, Raytheon Marine Company, Canyon Gear Outfitters, Penn Reels, United Fishing Association, The Fisherman Magazine, The New Jersey Angler, Star brite and Point Pleasant Ford Dealership,

We had a great turnout at the awards ceremony in Atlantic City.  The JCAA board members hope everyone had a great time.  Three rooms were set up for the drawing; the Main Coconut Ballroom, the Starlight Room and the Resorts Casino Dinning Buffet Suite.  Gary Caputi of Big Game Fishing Journal did an outstanding job as the Master of Ceremonies.  Gary set a new record, giving out 45 door prizes, a boat, motor and trailer and announcing 80 port priz winners in about an hour.  The JCAA board members would like to thank everyone who volunteered time at this event.  This year’s Grand Prize Winner was ticket # 0480, held by Patrick E. Mickles of Maple Shade, NJ who was in the Resorts Casino Dinning Buffet Suite when his number was announced.  From what we understand, Patrick did not weigh in a fish during the tournament, but still turned out to be a winner.  This is another year that the grand prizewinner did not weigh in a fish.  It just shows you that all you have to do is register in the JCAA Fluke Fishing Tournament to be a winner.  Congratulations to Patrick and his family.  We hope they enjoy the Cobia Boat Yamaha Outboard Motor and Shoreland’r Trailer.