Enter our Catch-Photo-Release Fishing Tournament and Lionfish Derby!
Vero Beach— 7/15/24 — The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is excited to present two,
month long fishing events; an inshore Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) Fishing Tournament to benefit
education and conservation efforts focused on the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and a state-wide Lionfish
Derby. This harvest event will help eradicate this invasive species that is devastating our reef and marine
health. Help support your ELC while you fish by entering these meaningful fishing tournaments!
CPR for the IRL Tournament Details
CPR for the IRL is an inshore fishing tournament throughout the entire Indian River Lagoon,
which runs 156 miles from the Ponce Inlet in Volusia County to the Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County.
Early registration for CPR for the IRL opens July 15 for $150. After August 15, registration is $175. The
Tournament begins on September 14 and runs until October 12. Target species are snook, redfish, trout
and tarpon caught from the shore or a vessel. Cash prizes will be given for different divisions and
species. By promoting the catch, photo, release method of fishing, we emphasize responsible angling
practices that ensure the sustainability of our aquatic resources.
The mandatory Captain’s Meeting will be held at ELC’s Schidel Education & Event Pavilion
(255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963) on September 13 at 6 PM. The Captains Meeting will
have a special guest speaker, food, drinks, swag, and presentation of the rules and format. Awards will
be presented at the Heartbeat Celebration on October 13 at 4 PM at ELC’s Schidel Education & Event
Pavilion, where there will be food, drink, music, awards, raffles, and more. Non-participant tickets are
available for $40 in advance.
Lionfish Derby Details
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Also, taking place during the same time frame is our inaugural Lionfish Derby! A month-long,
state-wide, no-holds-barred lionfish harvesting extravaganza. Join us in removing these tasty and
devastatingly invasive fish and preserving our reefs for future generations. Help save our reefs and enter
your numbers for a chance to win cash prizes for the quantity of lionfish harvested.
The Environmental Learning Center would like to thank our current sponsors for supporting this
event: Florida Power & Light, Sihle insurance Group, Coastal Conservation Association Florida, Croom
Construction, Publix, Vero Marine Center, HG Printing, Sailfish Brewing, Vero Chemical Distributors,
and Atlantic AutoTrim. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please reach out for more
information.
For more information on both Tournaments and to register visit
https://www.discoverelc.org/fishing-tournaments/
For more information, press only:
Heidi Leone Royals or Kyle Lacey
772-589-5050
Give@DiscoverELC.org
