Punta Gorda Redfish Festival – April 24-25, 2010
The brand new Punta Gorda Redfish Festival took place at the Laishley Crab House in Laishley Park on April 24-25, 2010 as a partnership between Jerry Cleffi of the Flatsmasters and Chris Evans of Smugglers, Inc.
The idea for the Punta Gorda Redfish Festival came about when the ESPN Redfish Cup announced they would not be coming to Punta Gorda. With a brand new redfish tournament called The Elite Series Flatsmasters, many of the former Redfish Cup anglers were on board to fish, it was decided to fill the void for the former Cup weekend.
Many of the same events were planned such as the Cardboard Boat Races by the Charlotte County Young Professionals, and the Redfish Art Show, but the Redfish Festival focused more on Fishing and Boating on Charlotte Harbor. Free Fishing Seminars were held both days with the Sebile Lures Casting tank, Yamaha Outboards gave Demo rides with the latest SHO Outboards, Maverick Boats and Ingman marine had the latest boat models on display, and there was a marine and fishing vendor area. In addition the YMCA hosted a Kids Fishing Clinic on Sunday. There was also a Nautical flea market on Saturday, Live music both days, along with fun events like oyster eating contests, key lime pie eating contests, casting contests for adults and kids, and much more. The highlight each day was the Elite Series weigh in on the Laishley Crab House stage. On Sunday, the finals of the Junior Flatsmasters Tournament were announced right before the Elite finals.
REDFISH FESTIVAL PHOTO GALLERY
For more information please contact Flatsmasters Tournaments at 941-637-5953 or visit www.flatsmasters.com/redfish-festival.html.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, April 21st
- 5:30pm to 7:30pm- Elite Series “Meet The Teams” event in front of Laishley Crab House- Check Out the top redfish teams with their boats and gear- Get one on one fishing info right from the pros
Saturday, April 24th
- 11:00am- Punta Gorda Redfish Festival Opens
- 11:00am to 1:00pm- Free Nautical Flea Market under the South Pavilion To reserve your free space call 941-628-0702 or e mail jerry@flatsmasters.com
- All Day- Yamaha Factory Team- Free Demo Rides- New SHO Outboard
- All Day- Maverick Boats/Ingman Marine Boat Show
- All Day- Marine and Wildlife Art Show outside the Breeze Gallery- below the Crab House
- All Day- Vendor and Display Area- between the Crab House and Ship’s Store Building
- 12:00 noon- Cardboard Boat Races in the Marina
- Sponsored by Charlotte Co. Young Professionals
- Register at www.ccypboatrace.com
- 1:00pm- Free Fishing Seminar at The Sebile Lures Casting Tank
- 1:30pm- Live Acoustic Music by “Pinecomb Lounge” with special guest guitarist Jack “C-Note” Russell behind the Laishley Crab House
- 2:00pm- Oyster Eating Contest- First one to down 5 dozen raw oysters WINS!- Crab House Stage Register by calling 941-628-0702 or e mail jerry@flatsmasters.com
- 2:30pm- Free Fishing Seminar at the Sebile Lures Casting Tank
- 3:30pm- Flatsmasters Elite Series Weigh In on the Laishley Crab House Stage
- 4:30pm- Live Acoustic Music by “Pinecomb Lounge” with special guest guitarist Jack “C-Note” Russell behind the Laishley Crab House
Sunday, April 25th
- 10:00am to 1:00pm- Free Kid’s Fish N Fun Clinic sponsored by Charlotte County YMCA – Pre-registration is required- deadline is April 21st- Call 941-629-0909
- All Day- Yamaha Factory Team- Free Demo Rides- New SHO Outboard
- All Day- Maverick Boats/Ingman Marine Boat Show
- All Day- Marine and Wildlife Art Show outside the Breeze Gallery- below the Crab House
- All Day- Vendor and Display Area- between the Crab House and Ship’s Store Building
- 12:00 noon to 2:30pm- Live acoustic music by “Beans and Seeds” on the Crab House Stage
- 1:00pm- Free Fishing Seminar at the Sebile Lures Casting Tank
- 2:00pm- Free Fishing Seminar at the Sebile Lures Casting Tank
- 2:30pm- Key Lime Pie Eating Contest- Crab House Stage – Register by calling 941-628-0702 or email jerry@flatsmasters.com
- 3:00pm- Junior Flatsmasters Tournament Super Six Weigh in Finals on The Crab House Stage
- 3:30pm- Flatsmasters Elite Series Top Five Shootout Finals- The Crab House Stage
- 4:00pm- Awards Ceremony- Junior Flatsmasters and Elite Series