CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Girls just wanna have fun, and this weekend they'll get the chance to at the Saltwater Sweeties Tournament in Aransas Pass.
Dusty Stahl, the president of the Coastal Bend Guides Association or CBGA says he was inspired to start a tournament just for women due to one simple fact.
“Tremendous amounts of men’s tournaments but there wasn't any women’s tournaments,” said Stahl.
The all-female event will take place on Gulf Coast waters. Anglers will be divided into teams of up to four, with one goal: hooking the heaviest fish. But they have to stay within regulation, which means only catching red fish between 20 to 28 inches and trout from 15 to 25 inches, and still make their deadline.
“As long as they can be back here at 3 PM in line for the weigh in,” said Hiedi Duplechian.
The goal is to encourage more female anglers all while working toward a good cause.
The fundraiser is the only one the associations hosts all year, and it goes toward funding free events like the Chemo Kids Fish-off.
“Guides volunteer their time and we take the kids fishing and we furnish them a meal and trophies,” said Stahl.
Money raised also allows the CBGA to provide financial aid to licensed coast guard guides and their families if they're injured out in the water and are unable to fish for a period of time.
Stahl says the tournament is really just a way women can enjoy competitive fishing and also give back to the community.
“Every year every year it's a lot of fun,” said Stahl.
