The Hinesville Rotary Club is planning to host its first-ever fishing tournament Sept. 20, according to club member and tourney coordinator Mark Germonprez.
Germonprez, who is director of Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said a captain’s meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Sunbury Crab Company. Fishing will begin the following morning at what he called “safe light,” or around 6:45 a.m. if there is no fog or foul weather conditions. Participants will need to check in before fishing.
The cost per boat will be $150, with a maximum of two fishermen per boat. Prizes will be given for both redfish and speckled trout. Boats will be able to weigh two redfish and four trout at 3 p.m. at the Sunbury Crab Company.
Germonprez said the Rotary’s fishing tournament is different than the kids’ fishing events and bass tournaments held on the installation because competitors are not limited where they can go to find redfish and trout.
He said Hinesville Rotary President Brigitte Shanken approached him with the idea after she found out he’s a fisherman. Shanken said the original idea for the tournament came from Rotary member and retired Navy Capt. Scott Kroell.
The tourney’s purpose is to raise money for scholarships, speech competitions and the Georgia Rotary Student Program, Shanken said. She explained that the program allows a foreign student to enroll full-time at Armstrong State University for a year with expenses paid. Proceeds also would go toward community projects like the storm drains Rotarians marked earlier this year to show which drains carry storm water and run-off to Peacock Creek and the North Newport River.
“We are hoping for at least 40 boats,” Germonprez said. “I don’t want to think of fewer boats at this time — positive vibes.”
He added that there will be an after-party with live music at the Sunbury Crab Company. The weigh-in and after-party will be open to the public.
Place-winners will be determined by the total weight for each species. While assuming the tourney draws at least 40 boats, Germonprez said prizes will be awarded in each category will be $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.
Trophies also will be awarded for first-place female and first-place junior anglers.
Germonprez said sponsors can donate cash as well as raffle items like hunting or fishing equipment, gift cards or certificates, free dinners, or golf or spa packages.
For more information, to sign up or to sponsor the fishing tournament, call Germonprez at 210-7037 or email alajhwk@gmail.com, or call Danny Creasy at 463-3006 or email danny.creasy@amerisbank.com.