September 28, 2012
By Florida Sportsman Newswire
The 4th Annual Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open will be held September 28-29, 2012 at the River Palms Cottages & Fish Camp in Jensen Beach.
The Open is held each September to raise critically-needed funds that support operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. Open to both children and adults, it is the largest inshore fishing tournament along the Treasure Coast.
“This event is near and dear to me as not only does it benefit the Clubs, it was named for a good kid and a Florida native who loved to fish,” said Jade Smith, who is co-chairing the event this year with Shaun Plymale. “We're expecting a great turnout and we know everyone will enjoy themselves and help us raise money for the Clubs.”
The Open is named after longtime Martin County resident Michael Shields, who died at the age of 23 from bone cancer. It follows a catch and release format, with separate categories for snook, tarpon, trout, and redfish. In addition to the fishing tournament, the two-day event will feature a festive Captain's Party on Friday evening for adults 21 and older that includes an open bar provided by Charlie's Neighborhood Bar & Grill and a dinner catered by Chef Mark Muller. Then on Saturday, there will be an awards BBQ and a fishing clinic for Club Members and children of registered anglers.
All events are included in a $100 registration fee. For those wish to only attend the Captain's Party, tickets are $50 per person in advance or $75 at the door.
The committee's fundraising goal this year is $60,000, with most of those funds allocated for Membership scholarships, ensuring that children and teens who wish to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County can do so, regardless of their family's ability to pay. Funding will support other critical needs, including field trips, Club T-shirts, and our comprehensive teen program known as The Club.
The 2012 Committee is: Jade Smith (Co-Chair), Shaun Plymale (Co-Chair), Melissa Burke, Mat Churchey, Jody Collings, James Ferraro, Nina Ferraro, RJ Ferraro, Sarah Franklin, Dawn
