Florida fishing guides, fishing reports, saltwater boat ramp maps: Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby

3rd Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby

For Immediate Release

Date: November 22, 2011

Contact: Captain Tom Van Horn,

Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando

mosquitocoast@cfl.rr.com, (407) 416-1187

Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, Fishing Florida Radio and our event sponsors proudly present the 3rd Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby to be held From December 17, 2011 to March 17, 2012 in the Greater Orlando area. The three month long catch photo and release (CPR) derby is free to all anglers who register at any of our derby sponsor sign-up spots. Anglers are permitted to fish anywhere they choose in Florida, and as much as they want during the derby timeframe. All participants must log into and upload their photos to www.cfshadderby.com. All photos must be taken using the official derby measuring device and include the official derby sponsor token.

American and Hickory shad are an anadromous species that return to the St. Johns River every spring to spawn, and their run is the closest we Floridians will ever see to the salmon runs experienced in the northeastern and northwestern coasts of North America. Crappies on the other hand are year round residents of Central Florida that inhabit all freshwater lakes and waterways. Black crappie are abundant during the colder months of the year and they are fun to catch using the same tackle, baits and techniques as shad.

Registration for the Derby will begin at the Captains Meeting on December 15th at Mosquito Creek Outdoors.

Derby Dates & Events:

December 17, 2011 Derby Starts at safe light. (Both shad and crappie derbies)

Thursday, December 15th - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m, Shad & Crappie Derby Anglers Registration Meeting at Mosquito Creek Outdoors. "Free Seminars" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Preparing for the Shad Run & Crappie Season", anglers giveaways and more, located in the Outback at Mosquito Creek Outdoors, 170 South Washington Ave., Apopka Florida.

Saturday, January 14th - 11:00 - 2:00 p.m., Free Crappie Rally at Boat Tree Marina Sanford, 4370 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771, phone (407) 322-1610. "Free Seminar" Instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Catching American Shad & Crappie". Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for Conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program.

Thursday, January 26th 6:30 - 9:00 PM, Free shad and crappie fly tying event at Orlando Outfitters, 2814 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32808, phone (407) 896-8220. Fly tying instruction and seminar by Capt. Beau Osborne.

Saturday, February 25th 11:00 - 2:00 PM, Free Shad Rally at the Jolly Gator Fish Camp, phone (407) 349-5554, on Hwy 46 adjacent to CS Lee Park in Geneva, Florida - "Free Seminar" instructed by Captains Tom Van Horn, Chris Myers and Charlie McCullough, "Shad Fishing Tactics" Event includes sponsor displays, giveaways and a raffle with all proceeds going to Anglers for conservation (AFC), Hook Kids on Fishing Program.

Saturday March 17th Tournament ends at sunset...good luck fishing!

2012 Shad and Crappie Derby Rules:

Derby starts at sunrise on Saturday December 17th 2011, and ends at sunset Saturday March 17th 2012.

There are no entry fees; anglers must register at one of the official derby sign-up locations and pick-up the official Derby Measuring Ruler and Derby Photo Token.

Anglers must meet all of the fishing regulations requirements of the State of Florida and possess both freshwater and saltwater licenses as they apply.

This is a catch, photograph and release (CPR) tournament.

Anglers are permitted to fish anywhere in Florida.

Angles must take fish with hook and line only.

Anglers are permitted to fish in any manner desired, paddle fishing, boat, shoreline or wade.

Anglers can fish as many times as they want within the derby timeframe.

Five categories will be awarded for both Shad and Crappie (10 first place prizes):

Fly, Conventional, Youth (15-years and younger), Ladies, and Pro Angler.

Fish must be measured using the official measuring device and the derby token; other commercial or homemade measuring devices are prohibited. Official measurement will be total length from nose (mouth closed) to the tip of the tail for crappie, and from nose (mouth closed) to fork of the tail on shad - the longest fish wins. Failure to comply with measurement rules will disqualify photo entry. Anglers are encouraged to include photo of the angler holding the fish.

Fly division photo must have evidence of fly fishing in photo to qualify.

Anglers are responsible for uploading photos to the official derby judging internet site.

Photos must include the official derby token, no exceptions. www.cfshadderby.com

Derby Judges reserve the right to refuse any angler's participation for any reason.

Derby Judges final decision stands.

2012 Shad and Crappie Derby Sign-up Spots

Sign-up begins on December 15, 2011

Mosquito Creek Outdoors

170 South Washington Ave.

Apopka, Florida 32703

(407) 886-1716

Orlando Outfitters