By Neil Taylor, Strike Three Kayak Fishing
Site Administrator:  www.capmel.com

The Captain Mel Classic:  A fishing tournament for (almost) everyone!

March 10, 2012!

Captain Mel Berman 

Mention the name "Mel Berman" around this area, and a majority of the people say "That's Captain Mel!"   February marks the two year anniversary since Mel passed away following complications following heart surgery at the age of 81.   This was the passing of a local fishing icon but not much time passed before it was evident:  This man's legacy is strong and will go on.

Mel put in decades on the radio, television and also tapped away at his computer writing fishing articles, "blogs" (before they were called that) and was in close contact with the entire fishing community.   Mel enjoyed people.   He had his call-in radio program, his www.capmel.com web site "forums" and his special event "Fishing Conversations."   In all of them, Mel included people in his equation.   How better to talk about what the people want to hear than to strike up a conversation?   As a regular professional guide included in his various radio and speaking engagements, I was always impressed with how he interacted with people.  

The Classic

With the loss of my colleague, friend and mentor there was a gap in my own life as 2010 progressed, it became pretty clear that the anniversary of his passing should be marked with something special.   The wheels in motion, "the Captain Mel Trout & Redfish Classic" was born.  Immediately the decision was made to make it a charity benefit and after consulting Mel's colleague Marti Ryan with Hillsborough County Animal Services, the tournament beneficiary became Humane Society of Pinellas.   157 people participated in the event, fishing in three divisions.   The competition was something everyone enjoyed but it was obvious that this was a gathering of people who wanted to be a part of a memorial held in Captain Mel's honor.  It was something nice for the Berman family, which also was dealing with the cancer illness of Mel's daughter Debbie who eventually also passed away.  Sponsor participation excellent, everyone walked away with more than they paid for but also with a great feeling of being a part of the experience.

The 2012 event is similar to the inaugural event.  An event for "almost everyone", professional anglers are ineligible in this event.    The competitors are using all lures, against the other non-professional anglers!   The format the same as 2011- Fly and Ladies divisions have been added as well as a "Bonus Species" which is Flounder.  The original three divisions:  Open, No Motor and Junior remain the same but with the Bonus Species "buy-in" (five dollars).  The longest flounder in each division wins that money pool.  

First timers?   No problem!

Never fished a tournament before?   This is a great one to gain that first experience.   Entry fees are $50 for the Open Division; $40 for the Fly, No-Motor and Ladies divisions and $25 for the Junior Division.   Anglers will receive some great items in their bags at the pre-meeting with lures from 12 Fathom, MirrOLure and Captain Joe's Edje and "Joe Jig."    They can supplement their supplies with more lures by these tournament sponsors but cannot use any products other than from these three companies.    For complete information and tournament rules, visit www.capmel.com and click on "Captain Mel Classic" from the home page.   Be a part of the celebration of our friend Captain Mel!