The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA California) is set to launch the STAR Series—promising to become one of the largest season-long saltwater fishing tournaments in the Golden State.

Spanning the entire coast of California, including all state and US waters, the STAR Series will kick off on Memorial Day weekend 2024 and run through Labor Day 2024 with a host of eligible species and weekly winners, as well as overall grand prize winners. Anglers will use the free Fishing Chaos app to easily register a catch and facilitate live releases.

“The tourney is open to party boat, private boat and shore anglers alike, helping ensure enormous participation,” says Chris Wheaton, chair of the CCA CAL STAR Series Committee. “Our goal is for this to become the biggest saltwater fishing event in the state of California.”

Registration is just $40 for current CCA CAL members and $80 for non-members, and the latter entry fee includes a one-year membership to CCA CAL. All entries include a durable rollup vinyl measuring tape, as entry will be based on length, not weight, to expedite live releases, if desired. Signups will begin in January 2024, with the official kickoff at the Bart Hall Long Beach Fishing Tackle and Boat Show, January 25-28, 2024.

Eligible fish will include saltwater bass (minimum 18 inches), California halibut (minimum 28 inches), California yellowtail, white seabass, and tuna (minimum 36 inches for the last three). Using the Fishing Chaos app, anglers can submit up two entries per species per day throughout the summer, and each registered catch earns a chance to win prizes in the weekly drawings, as well as one of ten grand prizes at the conclusion of the 14-week tournament. Grand prizes will include a 2024 Parker 18SE Center Console with a trailer and a 150 hp outboard from Yamaha, all provided through West Coast Marine Service of Costa Mesa, California.

The inaugural STAR Series begins on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, and runs through Labor Day, September 2, 2024. Tournament grand prizes include:

1. 2024 Parker 18SE Center Console with trailer and 150 hp Outboard from Yamaha, all provided through West Coast Marine Service of Costa Mesa, California

2. Week-long trip to Costa Rica with Fishing Nosara

3. 5 Day, 4 Night Trip to Alaska or Baja with Pacific Sportfishing Alliance

4. Trip to La Paz with Tailhunter International

5. E-Bike from Tern Bikes

6. Trip to Cedros Island with Casa De Cedros

7. 3-Day Trip on the Intrepid

8. Guided Fly Fishing Trip in Sitka with SitkaFish

9. Premium Package from Costa Sunglasses

10. NK180 Electric Motor from Newport Vessels

 

To learn more, read the official STAR Series rules or to register, visit CCACalifornia.org/STAR

ABOUT CCA CAL: The non-profit Coastal Conservation Association of California was created in 2015 when recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts came together to work for the conservation and enhancement of our marine resources and coastal environments. Today, we are working to protect not only the health, habitat, and sustainability of our marine resources, as well as the interests of saltwater anglers. Our goal is to protect your access to the marine resources you cherish and enjoy every day. CCA CAL consists of members spread across local chapters in California and growing every day.