Crosthwait volunteers

Whitney Scott, left, and Sarah Stephenson, were two of the volunteers who sold raffle tickets and displayed raffle and auction items at last weekend's 26th annual Sam Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament.

One of the reasons the 26th annual Sam Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament even happened last weekend was because of the numerous volunteers who helped setup, donate, sell raffle tickets, weigh-in fish, and keep the cogs of this classic community tournament well-oiled.

Not only did the tournament give back $3,500 to the American Cancer Society, it attracted 127 boats, a staggering number considering the slumped economy.



The tournament showed that what really matters is not the economy, its plummeting stocks, or any other conversation that seems to sap one's mood. It's about a community gathering, and celebrating each other, and the boundless fishing resources we enjoy in the Fishing Capital of the World.

Great weather expected for upcoming Crosthwait Tournament

The weather should be ideal for the 26th annual Sam Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament Friday through Sunday at the Bradenton Yacht Club.

Most weather forecasters are calling for around 10 knots of wind and a 20 percent chance of rain this weekend.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Crosthwait Tournament chairman Malcolm Edwards had counted about 80 entries - 10 in the offshore division. He expects that number to reach about 130 boats by the time offshore boats leave the BYC on Friday night.

"It's a good weekend for fishing," Edwards said. "The bait is thick and I hope everybody has a great time."

Registration is 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday night. The awards presentation, weigh-in and banquet begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

To register or for more information, visit http://www.fishcrosthwait.com/.

Kids Fishing Tournament Saturday

The Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament on the Green Bridge is this Saturday, as kids will gather along the pier and fish for free.

The tournament was renamed from the Green Bridge Kids Fishing Tournament in the honor of the late Jerry Hill, longtime Bradenton Herald outdoors writer.

Registration is from 7 to 8 a.m. for this catch and release tournament, following by fishing until 10 a.m., a free lunch, and an awards presentation.

Children between the ages of 7 to 14 are eligible. Baits, hooks and sinkers are provided. No tackle boxes are allowed on pier, and a child must be accompanied by an adult and must fish only with bait provided by tournament members. Each child must have their own rod and reel, but if a child has no access to equipment, the tournament committee will be able to help.

Call 794-2806 for more information.