AFFTA, Cheeky team up to support Stripers Forever
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association and Cheeky Fishing are partnering to award a donation of up to $3,000 to Stripers Forever in coordination with the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament being held this May.
As a sponsor of this year’s tournament, AFFTA has agreed to donate $1 for every 5-inches of striped bass caught, released and recorded, up to $1,500. Cheeky has stepped up to match that amount dollar-for-dollar, with the total amount going to the conservation of wild striped bass. Prize money is awarded each year to the winning teams, but this is the first year that a formal donation of this sort is being made.
Photo Credit: The Flylords
“We couldn’t be more excited to support this event, and further, to support Stripers Forever and the value of releasing a fish,” says Ben Bulis, president of AFFTA. “With all the growth in saltwater fly fishing, more people are realizing the importance of healthy marine fisheries. Tournaments like this lead by example.”
Photo Credit: Paul Restuccia
“We’re proud to join AFFTA in support of an organization that’s doing so much to conserve and protect our hard-working schoolie stripers,” adds Ted Upton, owner of Cheeky Fishing. “Our donation, and SF’s dedication, will add new value to every fish caught and released at this year’s Schoolie Tourney, and for seasons to come.”
“We can’t thank AFFTA and Cheeky enough for considering us for this,” says Brad Burns, President of Stripers Forever. “We were founded on the concept that with striped bass the greatest value to the most people in our society comes from the activity of fishing—and our Release A Breeder Club’s central goal is catch-and-release. The principles align perfectly.”
About the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament:
Known as the largest, catch and release fly fishing-only tournament in the world, the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament is set to mark its 7th year on May 19th on Cape Cod, MA. With over 400 anglers registered this year from all over the U.S. and internationally, the tournament is already sold out and a waitlist has been created.
Anglers are only eligible to compete from shore or wading (no watercraft of any sort are allowed), so the tournament is a low-barrier-to-entry, grassroots style event focused on encouraging interest and participation in saltwater fly fishing. Learn more at cheekyfishing.com
Click here for the full press release from AFFTA.
