Take Stock in Children Backcountry Fishing Tournament Continues Fundraising Tradition Oct. 4-6
KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Anglers of all ages can join the Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge, an Upper Keys event that has combined community and families with fishing and fundraising for 24 years. Presented by the Rotary Club of Key Largo, the 2024 tournament is set for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4-6.
The catch-and-release challenge targets redfish, snook and trout. A silent auction and raffle ticket sales are integral parts of the family fun event.
A public kick-off party for anglers and supporters is scheduled Friday, Oct. 4, at Doc’s Diner, mile marker 99.7 bayside in Key Largo. The event features a cash bar, registration and appetizers starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:15 p.m. captains and anglers meeting.
After kick-off festivities end Friday night, fishing is to begin and continue night and day through 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. An awards dinner and live and silent auctions are planned for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Tavernier Elks Lodge, mile marker 92.6 bayside.
Awards are to be presented for adult and junior backcountry champions for the largest combined total of all three species, the adult artificial division largest combined species, top professional guide, top professional angler, largest fish of each species in the adult division and largest trout in the kids division.
Entry fees are $150 per adult angler (age 18 and above), $75 per junior angler (ages 13-17) and $30 for kids 12 and under. Fees include social events. Nonanglers can purchase tickets for Friday and Sunday social events for $30 and $60, respectively. After Oct. 3, there is an additional $25 fee per angler and an additional $10 for social tickets.
The event is limited to 70 anglers, so organizers encourage early registration.
Proceeds help fund scholarships for college-bound Upper Keys students and adult vocational residents. Students from grades 7-12 pair with a mentor to qualify. The state of Florida matches funds raised to provide the scholarships.
Event information and registration: keylargorotary.org
