The Redfish Classic

r other groups and participating in many tournaments ourselves, it was just natural to want to start a tournament we can call our own,” said Paul Cross, Plantation Adventure Center & Dive Shop manager. Make it a weekend with rooms nights starting at $119 per night for all tournament participants and their families. Hotel guests can take advantage of the lagoon-style pool, complimentary lawn games and can even dock their boat on the 1,600 feet of seawall for easy launching the morning of the event. Events throughout the weekend include the Captain’s Dinner on Friday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. offering light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, Plantation Redfish Classic from daylight to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19 – and while redfish is the primary quest, there will also be categories for trout and grouper. Registration fee for two anglers (including a boat captain) is $225 and includes two swag buckets, entry for two to the Captain’s Dinner, tournament fee, entry for two to the Award’s Banquet, two tournament t-shirts and free boat launch. Prizes will include first, second and third place for largest redfish, trout and grouper ranging from $3,000 to $100. A portion of all proceeds will go to benefit the One Rake at a Time Foundation which cleans Lyngbya, a harmful blue-green algae, out of Kings Bay through the dedication and hard work of local volunteers. Other sponsors include Young Boats, Home Depot, Unfair Lures, Nick Nicholas Ford, 96.7 The Fox, Citrus 95.3, Lecanto Veterinary Hospital, Homosassa Marina, Yamaha, Corona Light on Draft, and Bimini Bay Outfitters. For more information about the Plantation Redfish Classic, Plantation on Crystal River or to make a reservation, call 800-795-5797.