Catch-and-Release for a Good Cause

Submitted by Harmon Tampa:

The 11th Annual Johnny Ferlita Memorial Fishing Tournament begins Friday, May 18, in Tampa.

The event benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and honors the memory of "Tampa's Speed King," Johnny Ferlita.

The tournament kicks off on Friday at 6:30 p.m. with the Captain's Dinner Party at Westshore Yacht Club, 6001 West Shore Boulevard. Guests will enjoy a festive dinner party featuring live music from Shawn Brown, a chance drawing, a silent auction.

Anglers will drop their lines in the water on Saturday, May 19, at 7 a.m. and fish for Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Trout during the one-day, catch-and-release tournament. The day concludes with lunch and an awards banquet where a $500 cash prize will be awarded for the biggest overall fish (within the tournament species) and for the biggest slam. New to the tournament this year is the children's award division. All child anglers will receive a children's angler bag and fishing equipment for their participation.

Through the efforts of Johnny Ferlita's friends and family, the event has generated over $490,000 for childhood cancer research since 2001.

For ticket and sponsorship information, please call the Pediatric Cancer Foundation at 813-269-0955 or visit www.fastercure.org.