Chix-N-Stix fishing event report
The inaugural Chix-N-Stix ladies fishing tournament presented by Bahama Breeze Island Grille was an enormous success. Chix-N-Stix had 81 teams of lady anglers, 79 of which were boats that came out in less than perfect weather conditions and battled to be the team with the heaviest bucket load of ladyfish. These ladies teams braved wind, rain and temperatures in the low 50’s to prove ladies can hang just as tough as the men can!
On Friday, Dec. 4, teams checked in from as far as Virginia Beach and much of Southwest Florida, Tampa and the East Coast of Florida. The anglers meeting and auction took place that evening inside the boat barn at Fish-Tale Marina to more than 350 people. An auction took place with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Operation Open Arms.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, the weigh station opened at 1 p.m. Out of 81 teams, 54 weighed in their buckets of ladyfish which was well over half the field. Vendors had tents out showcasing some great apparel, jewelry and new items. Bahama Breeze Island Grille served refreshing cocktails, a DJ played great island music and masseuses were giving five minute massages to anglers.
The awards ceremony and dinner started at 7 p.m. back at the boat barn. Team Barecudas (Cindy Andrew, Amy Andrew, Ashley Sexton, Ralph Andrew) took the top spot with 18.5 lbs and received a check for $2,500 plus custom Chix-N-Stix pink mossy oak pink camo-rods and custom CNS designed charms. Second place went to the Thompson Twins (Paul Kunkle, Amber Kunkle and Jennifer Greenleaf) with 17.65 lbs and team Jumpy Jumpy (Jennifer Lessinger, Jamie Swartz, Krissy Goetz, Wyatt Swartz and Ozzie Lessinger) was third with 17.5 lbs. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes was awarded to the top teams.
Many fun divisions were awarded as follows: “Team that Traveled the Furthest” went to “No Motor, No Problem” (the team from Virginia Beach), “Most Unique Team Name” went to “Pole Divas”, “Team with the Most Ladies” went to Screenprint Plus; “Team with the Most Bikini’s” went to “Boatmaster Trailer” ; “Team of the Year” went to “Finger Hookin Good”; “Team with the Most Lady Anglers” went to “Conch Republic”; “Dirtiest Ladies Team” went to “Pirates Booty”; “Team with the Most Spirit” went to “Leave it to Beaver”.
Special thank you to Bahama Breeze Island Grille for their Presenting Level Sponsorship as well as additional sponsors: Max Marine Insurance, Beasley Broadcasting and B103.9, Fish-Tale Marina, Ocean Rider Sandals, Wheelz LLC, Red Salon and Spa, Diversified Yacht Services, San Carlos Marine, Hooters, Florida Weekly, Nautical Mile, Fort Myers Daily, Fort Myers Marine, Boatmaster Trailer, Gulf Coast Palm and Tree Inc, JM Todd, USA Custom Rods, Irresistible Confections, Caloosa Tournament Series, Screenprint Plus, Shoeless Joe’s, Deans Dive Center, Crowne Plaza, Rush Charters, Custom Packaging and Products, Press Printing, Anisa Jewelry, Navionics, Yo-Zuri, and Metromix
(ITALICS) submitted by Kristi Riley, co-tournament director, Chix-N-Stix