Hall of Fame Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt will join longtime TV actor and Cornell University Heisman Trophy runnerup Ed Marinaro to amp the star power at the Gasparilla Inn & Club Boca Grande Fishing Classic May 2-5.
Also known as the Redbone Tournament for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, sport fishermen from around the world will take part in the benefit.
"Mike Schmidt has supported the organization for years now," said Jennifer Buchanan-Wentworth, CFF development director. "Ed Marinaro and Mike are great friends, too, so he'll be there to support Ed."
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Fishing for the Boca Grande Classic will be from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Guests will enjoy two days of fishing for tarpon, redfish, snook and trout in Boca Grande Pass and nearby back waterways guided by Gasparilla Island-area captains. The event opens with a welcome reception and barbecue dinner Wednesday evening followed by fishing an awards celebration reception and dinner with live auction Friday.
Twenty-seven of a maximum 30 boats have already registered compared with 16 a year ago, Buchanan-Wentworth said.. The goal is to raise $105,000.
"I think we'll get to $120,000 this year," she said.
Fact Box
To Go
What: The Boca Grande Fishing Classic
When: May 2-5
Where: The Gasparilla Inn & Club and Boca Grande Pass
Why: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Fees: Two-angler team. $3,300; one angler with celebrity team, $3,300; single-angler entry, $1,650; Friday Awards Dinner, $250 per person
Contact: Call (877) 403-0599 or (941) 964-4500
Gasparilla Inn & Club General Manager Jack Damioli said there is still room for a few more boats.
"If someone calls, we'll work them in somewhere," he said.
Boca Grande Classic schedule:
WEDNESDAY: Registration, 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.; silent auction, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, 4:30 p.m.-[6 p.m.; welcome reception and captain's meeting, 5 p.m.-6 p.m.; barbecue dinner, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY: Continental breakfast/check-in, 7 a.m.-7:45 a.m.; Blessing of the Fleet, 7:55 a.m.; Lines in, 8 a.m.; Lines out, 3:30 p.m.; cocktails and hors d'oeuvres; 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; dinner on your own.
FRIDAY: Continental breakfast/check-in, 7 a.m.-7:45 a.m.; Blessing of the Fleet, 7:55 a.m.; Lines in, 8 a.m.; Lines out, 3:30 p.m.; cocktails and hors d'oeuvres; 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; awards celebration, live auction and dinner, 6:30 p.m.
