Sailfish City - Stuart Florida Community Site

Stuart Florida - The Department of Homeland Security is analyzing a new threat to national security - recreational boaters.  That’s right, at the top of the list of potential threats to the country and it’s more than 95,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways.  The government has already spent millions and made significant progress in tightening up security on large cargo ships and cargo containers coming into the country but small boats are another story.

According to the feds, there is little protection right now from al-Qaida or other terrorist organizations using small boats to attack the United States.  Not only is the threat real that al-Qaida could use a small boat to deliver a nuclear or dirty bomb, but a more likely threat is they could use small boats to attack public infrastructure like bridges and dams.  Not to mention more critical infrastructure always located near water - nuclear power plants.

The feds are not planning a major crackdown on boaters, instead they are trying to enlist the help of local boaters who know their area and are familiar with other boats they typically see out on the water.  Local boaters will know the usual fishing spots and typical boat behaviour around things like bridges.  They are encouraging boaters to keep an eye out, like a neighborhood watch on the water, for suspicious behavior.  Boaters are encouraged to report suspicious activity to authorities.

There are discussions in the works of additional requirements on recreational boaters to help authorities mitigate the threat.  Many boaters will no doubt feel that the threat of national security is just an excuse to police recreational boaters but there are real benefits to the extra safety measures.  For example, less drunken boaters on the water is a plus everyone could live with.  Boats that are going out on the water will have to be checked to make sure they are sea worthy and hopefully the boaters will have to learn some boating safety guidelines to operate safely on the water ways of our city of Stuart.

May 1-3, 2008 - Panama City, Florida
Wal-Mart FLW Outdoors Redfish Tournament
Top Prize of $50,000.  Anglers will take off at 6 Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings from Bay Point Marina located at 3824 Hatteras Lane in Panama City Beach. Weigh-ins will also be held at Bay Point Marina beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Saturday’s weigh-in will be held at the Wal-Mart located at 10270 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach beginning at 4 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free, and the community is invited to attend the festivities.  More information on www.FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.

May 1-3, 2008 - Jensen Beach, Florida
Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tournament
Present by the Southern Kingfish Association, this is the second stop for the Yamaha Pro Tour in their five stop, three state tournament.  The tournament headquarters for the Jensen Beach stop will be at AA Marina, 2225 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957.  (800) 995-0936 for more info.

May 1-3, 2008 - Jensen Beach, Florida
Frances Langford Memorial Fishing Tournament
The Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce will again host the 3rd Annual Frances Langford Memorial Fishing Tournament to be held May 1st – 3rd, 2008. This event will award over $65,000.00 in cash and prizes. The tournament site will again be located at Four Fish Marina in Jensen Beach, Florida.  More info here.

May 1-4, 2008 - Miami Beach, Florida
The Grove SLAM! - Presented by Sea Vee and Mercury
Billed as Florida’s Funnest Fishing Tournament!  Shotgun start to go after a grand prize of $15,000 presented by Sea Vee Boats.  There will also be a $5,000 prize for the single heaviest Dolphin!  For more info visit The Grove SLAM! website.

May 2-3, 2008 - Sebastian, Florida
South Brevard Ducks Unlimited “Band the Slam” Inshore Tournament
The 4th Annual Ducks Unlimited “Band the Slam” Inshore Tournament is around the corner! The tournament will be at Squid Lips Overwater Grill, located at 1660 Indian River Drive in Sebastian and is a sanctioned Treasure Coast Flats Circuit Tournament!  More info here.

May 8-11, 2008 - Pompano Beach, Florida
Saltwater Shootout
$150,000 in cash and prizes.  This is the first leg of the Gauntlet Elimination Series leading up to the Saltwater Showdown!  Prize structure and more information on tournament here.

May 9-10, 2008 - Sebastian, Florida
36th Annual SISA 2008 Spring Fling
The Sebastian Inlet Sport Fishing Association presents Spring Fling 2008!  This fun filled event has occurred since 1973 making it one of the oldest fishing tournaments in Florida. Each year over 100 boats from 19 foot and up participate for cash prizes and awards. Plan to attend the tournament or just come by Captain Hiram’s, have a cold beverage of your choice, kick-back and watch the weigh-in.

May 10, 2008 - Stuart, Florida
Stuart Sailfish Club Small Boat Tournament
This one of the Club’s most popular tournaments. It generally draws between 30 and 40 boats and affords the Treasure Coast’s prolific “Mosquito Fleet” its chance to compete on an equal level in our offshore waters.  Contact Char Griggs, Sailfish@StuartSailfishClub.com or 772-286-9373

May 10, 2008 - Stuart, Florida
Stuart Sailfish Club Ladies Tournament
As the name implies, this tournament is for ladies only. It’s a one day annual event, usually held in May. Membership in the Club is not required but we do encourage all who do participate to join the SSC. Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place.  Contact Char Griggs - Sailfish@StuartSailfishClub.com or 772-286-9373

May 10, 2008 - Sebastian, Florida
GFWC Sebastian River Junior Women’s Club 7th Annual Flatfishing Tournament
Eligible Species: Snook, Trout and Redfish. Trophies and poles are given to winning junior anglers. Raises funds for various local charity projects.  Contact - Kathy Messersmith at 772-589-7990 for details.

May 14-17, 2008 - Pompano Beach, Florida
Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo
$10,000 first place boat prize.  $10,000 heaviest fish prize.  Expanded boundaries, three inlet checkout.  Come to www.pompanofishingrodeo.com for more details!

May 15-18, 2008 - Key Largo, Florida
21st Annual Coconuts Dolphin Tournament
The largest dolphin caught during the 2008 Coconuts Dolphin Tournament that weighs over 63.9 pounds will win a two year lease on a 2008 HONDA Ridgeline RT, valued at over $10,000, in addition to other prizes.  Visit Coconuts for more info!

May 24, 2008 - Fort Pierce, Florida
32nd Annual Exchange Club Blue Water Open Charity Fishing Tournament
Net proceeds are donated to local youth-related charities for prevention of child abuse. Cost is $150 until May 15, $200 after.  Contact JanBinney@AOL.com or 772-532-9375

May 30, 2008 - Fort Pierce, Florida
Taylor Creek Marina 1st Annual Inshore Fishing Tournament
Come and fish this TCF Circuit-run inshore tournament at Taylor Creek Marina in Fort Pierce! Be there on Friday night to register, with a “gentlemen’s start” on Saturday morning. Come and fish this tournament with a great payout that you expect from the TCF Circuit, along with earning points in the TCF Circuit for your end-of-season totals!

May 30-31, 2008 - New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach Kingfish Classic
Part of the Mercury Tournament Trail, this leg benefits local charities including the Rotary Club and Hospice.  Contact Terry Adkins - Terry@BlueWaterPromo.com or 800-546-4622 for more information.

Fishing Report
Fort Pierce - Port St Lucie - Vero Beach - Jensen Beach

INSHORE:
We enjoyed some great fishing weather this week. A few cool and windy days to keep you home, but overall spring has arrived here on the Treasure Coast. Look for nicer weather as May nears and fishing to continue to improve for trout and redfish on the flats. We had some great fun out there and look forward to much more in the coming weeks!

We fished for a variety of fish this week from grouper to trout. While we got busted by some nice grouper, finally Lawson Taylor muscled in a 27″ gag grouper from around the seawalls in Fort Pierce. Both 14 year old Megan Lundy and 10 year old Rachel Taylor had big grouper bites only to lose the battle with them. We used live pinfish for our action this week.

 Read the rest of the story here