In 2008, the Downeast Maine Shark Tournament is offering a ‘Kids Catch and Release’ category, to allow fishermen to get their sons and daughters involved in the sport of big game fishing.

Any individual who is 17 years of age or younger and is fishing on a boat that is registered in the tournament is eligible to fish in this division, at no additional cost. One point will be awarded for each shark (of any species except dogfish!) that is brought to the boat by the young angler, and then released.

The youth must set the hook and do all the rod handling in bringing the shark to the boat by themselves, without assistance. In addition, if the shark is tagged before it is released, the youth will be awarded TWO POINTS for that released shark instead of one point. The youth who accumulates the most points over the two days of the event will receive a $300.00 cash prize and a great trophy.

The number of sharks caught, tagged, and released will be based completely on the honor system, and has to be confirmed by the Captain of the registered vessel on which the youth is fishing. To get shark tags, you can call toll free at 877-826-2612 and request the tags or write to: NMFS Apex Predators Program, 28 Tarzwell Dr., Narragansett RI 02882.

If you would like to register a young man or woman in this category who will be fishing on your boat during the tournament, please register him or her at the Captain’s dinner at Saco Bay Tackle on Thursday, 8/21, and pick up some catch and release forms. These forms MUST be filled out and returned to Dave Johnson at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday evening (8/23) in order for your angler to be considered for the award, which will start approximately 6:30 (place to be determined).