The first annual 2009 Chix-N-Stix ladies fishing tournament presented by Bahama Breeze Island Grille was an enormous success! Chix-N-Stix had 81 teams of lady anglers, 79 of which were boats that came out in less than perfect weather conditions and battled to be the team with the heaviest bucket load of ladyfish. These ladies teams braved wind, rain and temperatures in the low 50’s to prove ladies can hang just as tough as the men can!
Friday December 4th teams checked in from as far as Virginia Beach and much of Southwest Florida, Tampa and the East Coast of Florida. Ladies received their lady angler tote bags which were stuffed with official Chix-N-Stix tournament gear and much more! The anglers meeting and auction took place that evening inside the boat barn at Fish-Tale Marina. Bahama Breeze Island Grille passed around appetizers and served refreshing cocktails to well over 350 people. An auction took place with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Operation Open Arms a charity CNS is very proud to be affiliated with.
On Saturday December 5th the weigh station opened at 1pm. Out of 81 teams 54 weighed in their buckets of ladyfish which was well over half the field! The rain cleared up as the weigh station opened and the crowds poured in to cheer their favorite teams. Vendors had tents out showcasing some great apparel, jewelry and new items. Bahama Breeze Island grille served refreshing cocktails, a DJ played great island music and masseuses were giving five minute massages to anglers. After all the teams got weighed in there was a brief break for the scores to get tallied and time for the teams to freshen up.
The awards ceremony and dinner started at 7pm back at the boat barn. Operation Open Arms brought in one of the soldiers home on leave who thanked Kristi and Lacey, the tournament directors, for what they are doing for OOA, this didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. Following this the awards ceremony took place and awards were handed out, team pictures were taken accompanied by a 4 star dinner that was served by Bahama Breeze Island Grille. Team Barecudas (Cindy Andrew, Amy Andrew, Ashley Sexton, Ralph Andrew) took the top spot with 18.5 lbs and received a check for $2,500 plus custom Chix-N-Stix pink mossy oak pink camo rods and custom CNS designed charms, not far behind were the Thompson Twins (Paul Kunkle, Amber Kunkle and Jennifer Greenleaf) with 17.65 lbs and next behind them in third was team Jumpy Jumpy (Jennifer Lessinger, Jamie Swartz, Krissy Goetz, Wyatt Swartz and Ozzie Lessinger) with 17.5 lbs. CNS paid out the team that ranked 17th which was Pirates Booty and 23rd which was Beasley Broadcasting B103.9. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes was awarded to the top teams.
Many fun divisions were awarded as follows: “Team that Traveled the Furthest” went to “No Motor, No Problem” (the team from Virginia Beach), “Most Unique Team Name” went to “Pole Divas”, “Team with the Most Ladies” went to Screenprint Plus; “Team with the Most Bikini’s” went to “Boatmaster Trailer” ; “Team of the Year” went to “Finger Hookin Good”; “Team with the Most Lady Anglers” went to “Conch Republic”; “Dirtiest Ladies Team” went to “Pirates Booty”; “Team with the Most Spirit” went to “Leave it to Beaver”.
The first annual Chix-N-Stix ladies fishing tournament was a huge success! Thanks to all the anglers, sponsors, staff and friends that made it the success that it was. Next year will prove to be even bigger and better!
Special thank you to Bahama Breeze Island Grille for their Presenting Level Sponsorship!
Additional Sponsors: Max Marine Insurance, Beasley Broadcasting and B103.9, Fish-Tale Marina, Ocean Rider Sandals, Wheelz LLC, Red Salon and Spa, Diversified Yacht Services, San Carlos Marine, Hooters, Florida Weekly, Nautical Mile, Fort Myers Daily, Fort Myers Marine, Boatmaster Trailer, Gulf Coast Palm and Tree Inc, JM Todd, USA Custom Rods, Irresistible Confections, Caloosa Tournament Series, Screenprint Plus, Shoeless Joe’s, Deans Dive Center, Crowne Plaza, Rush Charters, Custom Packaging and Products, Press Printing, Anisa Jewelry, Navionics, Yo-Zuri, and Metromix