March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

13th Annual Opening Day Tournament gala party this Saturday (April 19, 2014)

boatyard FishThe 13th Annual Boatyard Bar & Grill Opening Day Fishing Tournament Gala Party is scheduled for this Saturday, April 19th from  4-8 pm.   While the fishing may be over, the celebration continues!

As always with a Boatyard event, the tunes will be flowing as well. Band D’Vibe and Conga  will play from 5-8 pm. Admission is free, and drink and food tickets will be available for purchase at the door.   All proceeds will go to several Bay charities–as always!

Chesapeake anglers will be taking to the waters early in the morning knowing that they can enjoy rockfish season and and support three great causes by entering the Annual Boatyard Bar & Grill Opening Day “Catch & Release” Rockfish Tournament. Participating fisherman not only compete for great prizes, they also give back to the Bay and their community since proceeds from the tournament benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation®, the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland and the Annapolis Police Department’s Youth Fishing Camp. By enjoying a day on the water with friends and a fun party, they assist CBF with their “Save the Bay” efforts, help the CCA-MD protect the fishery, and introduce local kids-at-risk to Chesapeake fishing through The Annapolis Police Department’s Youth Fishing Camp – these kids establish long-lasting bonds with Annapolis police officers at the camp, a two-week program run by Lt. Brian Della.

Boatyard Crowd OutsideOpening Day is the first “real” day of Spring for anglers, and the event’s “catch and release” philosophy helps sustain the rockfish population in the Chesapeake Bay. No fish are brought in to be measured – the winners are determined from the digital photos of the fish taken next to the Boatyard Measuring Device, better known as the “yardstick” (even though it is 48″ long to accommodate the best fish!).

The actual tournament gets underway at the crack of dawn (unusual for Eastport) and awards and prizes will be handed out at the after-party held in the parking lot of the Boatyard Bar & Grill. Last year, nearly 1000 captains, anglers, family, and friends turned out!

Dick Franyo, the Boatyard Bar & Grill’s owner and event founder, said, “We started this tournament because everyone was out on the water anyway, so giving them a means to really celebrate the day and help out these important causes caught on.” Franyo added, “We share a passion with anglers for a healthier Bay and preserving the sport of fishing for future generations.”

 

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