There’s no shortage of striped bass fishing tournaments between now and early next year.
But a new one that will take place between Christmas and New Year’s is poised to become the big daddy of them all.
That’s a lofty statement, with the Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout in January and the Toys for Tots event in a couple of weeks, but the inaugural Million Dollar Rockfish Challenge has incorporated big money prizes, several fishing options and a striped bass cooking challenge.
Million Dollar Rockfish Challenge
The event is set for Dec. 26-30 out of Marina Shores in Virginia Beach.
Insurance policies have been secured so that tournament officials can offer $1 million to any team breaking the International Game Fish Association all-tackle world record of 78 pounds, 8 ounces. That mark isn’t beyond the realm of possibilities, given that the Virginia state record is 73 pounds.
If a team breaks just the state record, there’s $250,000 waiting for it.
And if 300 teams enter, there will be a $50,000 first-place prize no matter.
Adding to a big-time tournament feel will be Leader’s Row, a set of docks where leading teams will sit in order of placement until they either win or are bumped out by other boats.
New rockfish tournament offers big money | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com
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