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A new year brings new changes as the CCA Louisiana/Mercury Outboards Statewide Tournament and Anglers’ Rodeo (STAR) heads into its 14th year. Image 

 

For the second straight year, the first 2008 S.T.A.R.-registered angler to land a tagged redfish wins a brand new Chevy Silverado pickup truck worth approximately $30,000.

 

“We’re looking to give the truck away to that lucky angler this year,” said Sam Barbera III, tournament director of CCA Louisiana. “One cast could change your life.”

 

One of the largest, and richest saltwater fishing tournaments in the country, S.T.AR. spans the entire Louisiana Gulf Coast and is open to anglers of every age.  Boasting 101 days of competition, the tournament runs from Saturday, May 24 through Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2008. 

 

“And this year it is so easy to be entered into STAR before going on the water,” Barbera said.

 

The ease that Barbera is talking about is the installation of the 1-800 number for STAR entries. Simply by dialing 1-877-4CCASTAR (1-877-422-2782), anyone can enter STAR, anytime from anywhere. Whether it happens on the way down to the coast, on the dock or days in advance of a fishing trip. Operators are standing by now to take STAR entries. But all must enter before fishing.

 

In addition to the 800-number, many divisions have been added to this years STAR, among them are the return of the Dorado division. The Ladies’ Only division has already created a buzz with the female anglers of the state as they have their chance to win a 17’ Weldbilt for the summer’s heaviest trout. Other new divisions are the King Mackerel, Paddle Craft and Largemouth Bass. The Paddle Craft division gives those fishing from a non-motorized vessel the opportunity to participate in STAR.

 

Boat packages will also be awarded in largest fish divisions for speckled trout, flounder, lemonfish, Paddle Craft and Ladies’ Only divisions.  Great tackle packages are offered in the Dorado and King Mackerel divisions.  There will be four boat packages for youngsters in the Youth Division. 

 

In addition to the Chevy, the signature tagged redfish division offers anglers a chance to win one of nine rigged 2201 Mako bay boats powered by 150-horse Mercury OptiMax engines.  Fifty redfish will be tagged and released in the weeks leading up to start of competition in the most popular coastal fishing destinations in Louisiana.

 

For the third year, the Early Times Speckled Trout Division offers S.T.A.R. anglers six chances to win in two periods in three zones: east, west and central.

 

The eastern zone stretches from the Mississippi state line to the western bank of the Mississippi River.  The western zone extends from the Vermilion Parish-Cameron Parish line to the Texas state line. The central zone is comprised of everything in between, including popular fishing spots like Cypremont Point, Cocodrie and Fourchon.

 

Speckled trout competitions in each zone will be split into 50- and 51-day contests with the first running from May 24-July 13 and the second lasting from July 14-September 1.  The largest trout weighed by a S.T.A.R angler at a registered weigh station during each competition in each of the three zones will win an 1800 Nautic Star bay boat powered by a 90 horsepower Mercury OptiMax.  But the largest trout caught statewide will win a Champion 220Bay Champ powered by a 175 horsepower Mercury OptiMax, the most valuable boat package ever awarded by S.T.A.R.

 

Winners in the lemonfish division will each receive a Weldbilt skiff powered by a 50-horsepower Mercury. Louisiana Fish Fry sponsors the 2008 lemonfish division.  The largest flounder weighed in each of the two competitive periods will win a 16’ Weldbilt with a 40-horse Mercury.  Tackle packages worth $5,000 will be awarded to the angler weighing the dorado sponsored by Shimano and king mackerel sponsored by Royal Purple.

 

Anglers who are 17 years old and younger are eligible to fish and win in the Academy Sports + Outdoors New Tide Division.  One of four 14’ Weldbilt boats with 15 horsepower Mercury engines will be given to a lucky New Tide angler who weighs in a flounder or speckled trout measuring at least 14”. Winners will be randomly drawn at the end of the tournament.  New Tide anglers are also eligible to fish in all other S.T.A.R. divisions. 

 

“Every year we hear stories about big fish coming to the scales and tagged redfish being caught by anglers not registered for S.T.A.R.,” Barbera said.  “These stories are disappointing because we want to give these boats and a truck away; we want people to win.  The only way to make sure you win is to register.”
 
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