THE ICBA NEWS REEL - Winter 2008 MEETING - Not determined at this time BLESSING OF THE FLEET The 2008 Blessing of the Fleet Parade took place New Years Day, at the foot of Whale Harbor Bridge. This annual event is held to help ensure the safety of the fleet and a prosperous New Year. At 10am, Charter and private boats from Key largo to Duck Key set out for the "1" marker in Whale Harbor Channel. In a single file line, they proceeded to the bridge to be blessed. Clergy members from Island Community Church, Layton Baptist Church, Spirit and truth Ministries, Burton methodist and The Keys Jewish Community Center Participated. Thanks to Holiday Isle for generously donating beverages and helping set up. Mangrove Mike catered the event to perfection by providing a traditional New Year meal. Thanks to all who attended and generously donated to I.C.B.A. See ya Next Year. The annual contest for best decorated boats was divided into two categories: charter fishing and recreational fishing. The judges for the contest were Village Coucilman George Geisler, Frank Kulisky and Mike Tavano. Cash prizes for the top three boats in each category was donated by The Village of Islamorada. The prizes were handed out at the party following the Blessing of the Fleet parade. NASCAR SPEEDS ITS WAY INTO THE KEYS Nascar drivers took a break from qualifying rounds at the Homestead-Miami Speedway to participate in the 1st Annual Crown Royal Invitational Fishing Tournament. Participants in this one-day event included race-business executives, sponsors and drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Stacy Compton and Hank Parker Jr. With only 3 days until the highly competitive Winston Cup Championship and Busch Ford Series 300 Races, they headed off for some friendly competition on the seas off of Islamorada. After the boats left the dock, most everyone caught on to the thrill of catching a Keys game fish. A total of 28 boats, with about 100 anglers took part in this tournament. 25 anglers hooked up with an Atlantic Sailfish and a total of 18 recorded a release. Bill Niepoth, the weigh master of Holiday Isle, also weighed in a 30lb Wahoo, Dolphin and a few Kingfish. After the tournament, the festivities continued with a buffet dinner and awards ceremony held at Holiday Isle's famous Tiki Bar. Crown Royal handed out many trophies and awards, along with a generous donation of $2,500 to the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. This tournament turned out to be a huge success and we look forward to welcoming Nascar and Crown Royal back for the 2nd Annual Crown Royal Invitational Fishing Tournament, scheduled for November 12, 2003. NEW TUNA VESSEL PERMITS All owners/operators of charter and headboat vessels fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permit. This permit has replaced the Atlantic Tunas Charter/Headboat permit, and incorporates those vessels targeting other regulated HMS. Similar to Atlantic Tuna permits, 2002 Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permits cost $27.00 and will be valid from the date of issuance through May 31, 2003. For more information call - 888-USA-TUNA A SPECIAL THANKS A special thanks goes out to Ron Allen of Islamorada of his generous contribution of $300.00 to the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. AWARDS The Lou Steiner Trophy is awarded for the Most Marlin caught and released. The 2002 recipient of this award is Merv Finch of the Redfish with 3 releases. The Dennis Balmer Trophy is awarded for the largest shark caught and released. The 2002 recipient of this award is Rich Hellmuth of the Strikefighter for a Mako Shark caught in March of 2002. The winner of each award gets their name engraved on a trophy and a $100.00 gift certificate to a restaurant of their choice. IT'S TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! You can renew your membership or join the association by simply filling out an application. The minimum donation/dues is $50.00. Your contribution is tax deductible. We are a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization. Click Here for a printable version of the membership application to mail with your donation. Or you may fax the form to 305.852.5365 Click Here to fill out our online application. For membership questions only, call 305.852.5365