The Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament was founded in 1983 by a several Bradenton Yacht Club Past Commodores to honor Past Commodore Col. Sam Crosthwait. Colonel Crosthwait lived and fished in Manatee County for the last 25 year of his eventful life. He was Commodore of the BYC and a frequent tournament winner. He fished around the world in many countries and continents. His high ideals of personal conduct, and sportsmanship, and his reverence for nature provided an example for all those who fish the Crosthwait.
Known as the Grand Daddy of the all, the Crosthwait is one of the largest and oldest Amateur Fishing Tournaments in Florida and it is held at the BYC every year in May. Many of the volunteers that work the Crosthwait have done so for 25 years. This year’s dates for the Crosthwait are May 15-17th. There are 4 divisions in the tournament: Offshore, Inshore, Under 19, and Under 16.
Inshore and Offshore Points Schedule 2015: A point system based upon the type and size of fish will be used to determine the winning boat. Each boat will be allowed to enter six (6) fish for judging during the two-day event. Offshore boats will be limited to weighing in six (6) fish per day. The six fish selected and entered by the Captain at the weigh-in may not include more than two (2) fish of any one species unless otherwise specified in point schedule. Find the full set of species and point values ….click here >>>
In 2014 Crosthwait joined ranks with the Florida West Coast Triple Crown Series and the Old Salt Fishing Foundation. The Old Salts are proud to sanction and support this event. Crosthwait also hosts the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown Billfish series at the Bradenton Yacht Club. This year’s date for the Triple Crown is August 15, 2016. You can find more info at www.fishtriplecrown.com
All of the proceeds of the Tournament after expenses and prizes go to scholarships for local youth, community youth centers and The Marine program at Manatee Technical College. We are helping to educate the future marine mechanics in the area. For the last 3 years The Crosthwait brought the Project Healing waters to the BYC during the weekend of the Crosthwait. Local Fishing guides and other volunteers give their time to teach Veterans the peace and tranquility that fishing and boating produce. Last year alone 30 disabled veterans participated in a program which would have cost over $25,000 retail. The benefits to these veterans cannot be calculated.
You can find all the information for this event …….click here>>>>
You can stay up to date on their facebook page …….click here>>>
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