From Cheeky:
Two-hundred and thirty anglers representing 19 different states gathered on Cape Cod, Massachusetts to participate in the 2016 Cheeky Schoolie Tournament on May, 21st. Now in its 5th year, the annual Cheeky Schoolie Tournament has grown into the largest saltwater fly fishing tournament in the country (we think?), and perhaps the largest fly fishing tournament in the world. The unique, grassroots style event provides the opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to cast flies at early season striped bass and vie for thousands of dollars in fly fishing prizes.
Even with the event’s growth over recent years, the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament remains a low barrier to entry, catch-and-release style event designed to encourage the interest and growth of saltwater fly fishing. The format is simple: the team that catches and releases the 4 largest striped bass wins. In addition to podium prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, this year’s tournament included other grand prize categories such as smallest striped bass, most miles driven, and a team skunk xanax alprazolam award – a pair of spinning reels awarded to a team that turned in a zero fish scorecard. Participants included the likes of some of the nation’s top guides, as well as anglers hoping to catch their first striped bass on the fly.
In total, anglers caught over 3,500 inches of striped bass during the course of the single-day event. At the awards ceremony, talk of 30 to 50 fish days proved commonplace, and several teams landed stripers measuring out over 30”. While the prizes and scores were impressive, for many participants, the tournament continues to be about more than winning and losing. Above all, the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament is an opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to come together, share a few laughs, and celebrate the wonderful people, scenery and fishery that the Northeast has to offer.
Cheeky would like to thank all of the tournament’s participants, sponsors and supporters who helped make the 2016 event such a success. We look forward to seeing you in 2017!
