The Flatsmasters Tournament Series in Punta Gorda, Florida, offers a diverse range of fishing tournaments throughout the year, catering to the needs and interests of fishing enthusiasts. From the Grand Slam Plug Tournament to the Flatsmasters Championship, these events provide anglers with the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for exciting prizes.
Tournament Dates and Events
The Flatsmasters Tournament Series in Punta Gorda features several key events, each with its own unique set of rules and target species. Here’s a breakdown of the tournament schedule:
- Grand Slam Plug Tournament: April 27, 2024 (Trout, Redfish, Snook – artificial lures only)
- Backcountry Classic: June 15, 2024 (Trout, Snook – all baits allowed)
- Summer Lure Classic: July 13, 2024 (Trout, Redfish – artificial lures only)
- Red-Snook Challenge: August 10, 2024 (Redfish, Snook – all baits allowed)
- Flatsmasters Championship: September 7-8, 2024 (2 days, by invitation only)
- Day 1: Trout, Redfish, Snook – all baits allowed
- Day 2: Trout, Redfish, Snook – artificial lures only
- Sweetheart Couples Tournament: May 18, 2024 (Trout & Redfish – all baits)
- 18th Annual Junior Flatsmasters Tournament: August 3, 2024
Tournament Details
The Flatsmasters Tournament Series in Punta Gorda follows a set of detailed guidelines to ensure a fair and organized competition. Here are some of the key tournament details:
Launch Location and Fishing Hours
- Teams can launch their boats at any boat ramp.
- The tournament starts at safe light and ends at 3:00 pm.
Check-in and Entry Fees
- Teams must check in by 4:00 pm at the designated location.
- Entry fees:
- Single tournament: $450
- 4-tournament series in advance: $1,800
- Cash only on the day of the tournament
Catch and Release
- The tournaments utilize the Fish Donkey App for catch and release, with no excess handling or transporting of fish from their natural habitat.
Captains Meeting
- A captains meeting is held at 6:30 pm before each event at the designated location.
Other Events and Information
In addition to the Flatsmasters Tournament Series, Punta Gorda also hosts other fishing-related events and activities:
Kids’ Fishing Tournament
The Punta Gorda Elks Lodge hosts an annual kids’ fishing tournament, which includes categories for smallest fish, largest fish, ugliest fish, and most fish caught.
Flatsmasters Videos
The Flatsmasters website offers a collection of videos showcasing the tournaments and providing insights for anglers.
By understanding the dates, rules, and unique specifications of the Flatsmasters Tournament Series in Punta Gorda, fishing enthusiasts can plan their participation and prepare for a thrilling and rewarding experience on the water.
References
- Flatsmaster Sweetheart Couples Tournament Punta Gorda. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://fish-florida.com/event/flatsmaster-redfish-series-2-3-2-2/
- The Flatsmasters Tournament Series 4 Punta Gorda. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://fish-florida.com/event/the-flatsmasters-tournament-series-1-punta-gorda-2-2-2/
- Punta Gorda Elks Lodge Hosts Annual Kids’ Fishing Tournament. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.floridaelks.org/district-ssw/punta-gorda-elks-lodge-hosts-annual-kids-fishing-tournament
- 2024 Tournament Schedule – Flatsmasters. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://flatsmasters.com/schedule.html
- Flatsmasters™ Fishing Tournaments presented by Smuggler’s Event. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://flatsmasters.com