2019 Schoolie Tournament marks the second year for partnership donation to the fishery conservation organization
In coordination with the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament, slated for May 18th on Cape Cod, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association and Cheeky Fishing are partnering again for the benefit of Stripers Forever with a donation of at least $3,000.
Photo cred: Paul Restuccia
Just like last year, AFFTA has agreed to donate $1 for every 5-inches of striped bass caught, released and recorded, up to $1,500. And Cheeky has stepped up again to match that amount dollar-for-dollar, with the total amount going to the conservation of wild striped bass. This is the second year that a formal donation is being made from the two groups.
“We couldn’t be more excited to support this event and Stripers Forever with this donation,” says Ben Bulis, president of AFFTA. “Saltwater fly fishing is attracting so many new anglers every year. Thanks to catch-and-release tournaments like this and the work of groups like SF, more people are realizing how important it is to take care of our healthy marine fisheries.”
“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. “Last year’s donation made a huge impact and raised a lot of awareness. I’m excited to carry that momentum into this year’s event and help SF continue to do great work.”
“We can’t thank AFFTA and Cheeky enough for their continued support,” says Taylor Vavra, Stripers Forever National Board Member. “That first donation and the awareness from last year, especially around our Release a Breeder Club, was fantastic. We look forward to building on that and accomplishing even more this year.”
Photo cred: The Flylords
About the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament:
Known as the largest, fly fishing-only tournament in the world, the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament is set to mark its 8th year on May 18th on Cape Cod, MA. With nearly 500 anglers registered this year from all over the U.S. and internationally, the tournament sold out in just hours.
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
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AFFTA advocates for and promotes the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry. By igniting consumer demand for products and services, providing businesses the tools to be successful, and advocating for access, protection and restoration of fishing waters, we will continue to enhance the passion and profitability of the sport of fly fishing.
Cheeky Fishing manufactures high performance fishing reels for any angling situation. From bluefin to bluegill, Cheek Fishing has a fly reel for the job. In 2012, consistent with its mission to get new people into the sport, Cheeky Fishing launched the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament. The Tournament is a low barrier to entry, grass roots style event designed to encourage the interest and growth of catch and release and saltwater fly fishing.
Stripers Forever, a non-profit organization, advocates for the conservation and responsible stewardship of wild Striped Bass along the Atlantic Coast. Stripers Forever seeks game fish status in order to significantly reduce Striped Bass mortality, to provide optimum and sustainable public fishing opportunities and to secure the greatest socio-economic value possible from the fishery.