Local anglers can take to the waters next weekend as part of an inaugural tournament to benefit local high school athletes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The first annual Ida Baker High School Fishing Tournament takes place Saturday, March 21, starting at 7 a.m., with various divisions and prizes up for grabs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
All proceeds of the event will help the Ida Baker football team renovate its locker room, provide updated equipment and assist with team expenses such as pre-game meals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re putting on this fundraiser and trying to do something that we know people in our area are big into,\u201d said Ida Baker head coach Cullen O\u2019Brien, heading into his second year at the helm of the team. \u201cOur kids and some of the faculty here were pushing for it, as we see other schools in the area doing tournaments in the past, so we thought it would be a good opportunity. We\u2019re giving it a shot.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fundraiser is a slam tournament and has two divisions \u2014 motorized and non-motorized. The non-motorized division is $35 to enter, and athletes can fish from shore, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. The motorized division is $125 and covers up to four anglers per boat. There will be prizes given to the longest combined trout, snook and redfish in each of the divisions, and the longest individual snook, trout and redfish in each division. Prizes includes new rods and reels, gear, sunglasses, gift cards and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Concerning how the fundraiser will help the team, O\u2019Brien said the team\u2019s locker room will undergo a mini renovation to include new lighting, sound system and most importantly, more lockers as the team and program continues to grow. Another big priority for the team is purchasing new helmets for the student-athletes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s our main thing that eats the majority of our funds,\u201d O\u2019Brien said. \u201cI think 30 of our helmets ended up going out this year, and we have 20 coming in. We need to buy a lot more, and they are not cheap.\u201d<\/p>\n
Registration for the tournament is available now on the \u201cTourneyX\u201d app and website by searching \u201cIda Baker Fishing Tournament.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
There will be a Captain\u2019s Meeting at Ida Baker High School Friday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m., and the post-tournament scoring meeting will be held on the Ida Baker High School football field.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien said while fundraising is the cause for the tournament, it\u2019s also a great way to get out on the water, do something you love and help support local youth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re giving back to our community,\u201d O\u2019Brien said. \u201cI mean, 100 percent of these funds are going to support a public school in the backyard of all the places that the people are going to be fishing. Some of the kids on the team are competing in this as well. It\u2019s for them, also. It\u2019s always good to get out and just get on the water at any time for any reason or any excuse. It\u2019s good for all of our mental health to be out on the water.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien added that this tournament could serve as a \u201cwarm-up\u201d or precursor for other larger tournaments that are coming up around Southwest Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Through the TourneyX app, each individual or foursome registered will get a code at 7 a.m., with pictures of each catch needing to be submitted in real time to count. The tournament will conclude at 3 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There will be food and refreshments served at the high school where prizes and winners will be announced.\u00a0<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien said a lot of his players, who are avid anglers themselves, are excited to take part.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a big thing for them, too,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd that was another reason why we wanted to do this \u2014 it\u2019s a big interest amongst our team. So it\u2019s not only just a community thing, it\u2019s a Baker football thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about doing what this program wants to do. So the kids in this program and the people in this community want a fishing tournament. Let\u2019s give them a fishing tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ida Baker\u2019s spring football game is on Thursday, May 21, as the Gators will head up to North Port High School to take on the Bobcats.<\/p>\n