By Pam Anderson
We may be headed into a slower fishing season, but there is a lot going on at Capt. Anderson’s Marina including winter fishing!
October’s 2024 PCB Fishing Rodeo presented by Bill Cramer GM & Cramer Outdoor Marine and hosted by the Panama City Boatman’s Association and Capt. Anderson’s Marina was a great success! The PCBA Board of Directors, Kelia Paul, Pres., BJ Burkett, VP, Mike Sullivan, Treas., Justin Steele, Director, and Chris Ngyuen Director, all did a fabulous job of planning and managing the event. All own and operate their own Charter-for-hire businesses at Capt. Anderson’s.
There were 94 entrants in the rodeo with 60 Recreational entries from land based to vessels over 26’ & 34 charter-for-hire vessels. Altogether there were 4265.3 lbs. of fish weighed in during the 9-day event with over 467 individual weigh-ins.
The ladies division (brand new for this year) weighed in 304.33 lbs. over 43 total weigh-ins. Great job ladies!
The kids division (also brand new for this year) weighed in 629.39 lbs. over 73 total weigh-ins. Each child who weighed in a fish whether it made the board or not received a free fishing rod & reel — thank you Half Hitch Tackle for always being a great community partner! Combined with those and the rods given away during the Kid’s Fishing Clinic presented by the Reel ladies, PCBA gave away 230 rods during the tournament sponsored by Half Hitch Tackle and Tarpon Docks Seafood.
For the overall tournament winners PCBA gave away $25,500 in cash including the jackpot winners who all received $2,500 each: The largest fish overall (by lbs.) 71.1 Amberjack caught aboard the Tail Hunter with Captain Scott Ngyuen by Ali Danun. The largest shark (by lbs.) 285.4 was a Bullshark caught aboard the Kelley Girl with Captain August Redding by Juan Tinajero. The largest Inshore fish (Trout or Flounder) 3.24lb Speckled Trout was caught by one of our local kid Anglers, Kai McDaniel. Daily winners received a total of $1,350 in gift cards (6 each day over the 9 day tournament).
From the proceeds, the tournament will be donating $1,000 to the Arnold High School Fishing Team to further their education of the industry.
What a great community-wide event! Thank you Panama City Boatman’s Association and all those who contributed to its success — including our Tourist Development Council that contributed the Fireworks to round out the event.
But that’s not all…. November is here!
November 11 we host the Freedom Celebration honoring our Veterans and their families with a landside program and free cruise for their immediate family members. Be sure to sign up early for this special event. Even if you are not a Veteran, come out and honor them with your presence and a handshake. They have great stories to tell-true stories of valor!
They say big things come in small packages and that is the case with our Ship’s Store at the marina. It’s not just for tourists, for certain, especially if you love nautical gifts. Ms. Sherri has a great variety and has great off-season prices too!
NEW THIS YEAR! The Upper Deck at Capt. Max’s Bar & Grill is bringing new meaning to playing with your food this holiday season. Join us Wednesday, November 27 from 4 ‘til 7 p.m. for our first annual Frozen Turkey Bowl, hosted by your familiar and friendly local bartenders. Hang out afterward for Capt. Max’s Bowling Bash with live music food, and drink specials until 10p.m. Bowling for a cause will ensure this is an unforgettable competition. All donations will benefit Arnold Hight School Volleyball and Baseball teams. Competition is limited to participants so be sure to sign up early by stopping by the Upper Deck Bar & Grill.
This is a family-friendly event that is open for the whole community. Come join us on the docks for this fun-filled event. More info is on our Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/CaptMaxsBarGrill.
AND… Bethlehem Christmas Village returns for its 12 year December 11-14 — save the date!
Capt. Anderson’s Marina…Where the fish are always biting, and the kids are always smiling. www.CaptAndersonsMarina.com
