2009 JCAA Fluke Tournament

Fishing Date: June 13^th
Awards Date: June 19^th

by Sharon McKenna

Like most people involved in JCAA, I wear multiple hats. Donning my Fluke Tournament Chair hat has been quite an adventure. Everyone is very well aware of the economic climate here in New Jersey, our nation and the world. JCAA is not immune to these economic factors and the Fluke Tournament Committee has had to be creative in ensuring that the tournament will continue to offer fabulous prizes, and a great time to boot. To be candid, this is the JCAA’s largest fundraiser. Over the past 15 years, we have been fortunate to attract many port prize, door prize and grand prize sponsors. We are continuing to work with what sponsors are still available. Some have filed for bankruptcy, others have been absorbed by other companies, but those who remain have been generous, for which we are thankful. Please thank them by purchasing our sponsor’s products over the coming year. They are supporting the JCAA and its important mission to represent you while you continue to enjoy recreational fishing.

One of the toughest decisions the Fluke Tournament Committee made is to cut down the ports from twelve to nine. The ports that were cut, Jersey City, Atlantic City and Avalon (Townsend Inlet), were chosen carefully through looking at the participation data, the geographic range and overall port support. The Committee is hopeful that when the economy turns around, these ports can return to the fold.

The good news is that although it has been a difficult year to be a recreational angler, we do have a 2009 fluke season: six fish at 18”, open May 23rd through September 6. So, get your boats on the water so you will be ready to participate in the JCAA Fluke tournament on Saturday, June 13th. The tournament fee for early entrants (by June 6) is $120. After June 6th, the tournament fee goes up to $150, so early entry really pays off. Your participation not only guarantees a great time and a chance for many fabulous prizes for you & your crew, but it also supports the work that JCAA does for all recreational anglers. Remember the JCAA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to your interest.

Even with sponsorship changes, this year promises to be another great event in the tournament’s 15 year history, as the first place prizes will again be sponsored by JCAA. Fisherman’s Headquarters will be sponsoring their local port (Long Beach Island). Your crew, with up to six anglers, will only compete with other anglers for the ten port prizes to be awarded at the port you select when you enter. Just like in previous years there will separate port prizes for every port. Prize ranking may be adjusted. You do not have to be present at the June 19th award ceremony to win the port prizes.

The Grand Prize - $10,000! - and all door prizes will be drawn at the Awards Presentation and Celebration at Trump Marina Hotel Casino. Remember, you do not have to catch a fish to be eligible for the Grand Prize or any door prizes. You only have to be registered. At least one member of your crew must be present for you to win the Grand Prize and door prizes. JCAA has reserved a limited block of rooms for a group rate at the hotel which can be booked by calling the Reservation Department direct at 1/800-777-8477, option #3. Be sure to state you are with JCAA and group code FJCAA9. The cut-off date is May 19, 2009, so once again, it pays to be an early entrant!

If you have been a past participant in the JCAA Fluke Tournament, you will receive an express entry form to register. You will also be able to order your JCAA Fluke Tournament T-shirt at that time. We may not have all sizes available at the Awards Ceremony and you won't want to miss this year's great shirt. Full color image of the T-shirts can be seen at our web site. Extra order forms are available online. Last year some people were disappointed because we ran out of shirts at the Awards Ceremony. If you have questions call 732-506-6565 or visit the web site at jcaa.org for additional information, complete rules, links to sponsors, and additional entry forms for your friends.

This year it is more important than ever that we have a successful JCAA Fluke Tournament to show that the New Jersey angler is a force to be reckoned with. Please read the letter to Governor Corzine in this newspaper to learn more about how our fluke fishery and quota is under attack. Looking forward to seeing you all on June 13! Mark your calendars!!!

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