2024 Ronald H. Friedl Memorial Tournament
Cast your lines in support of a national hero! Join us as we remember Air Force veteran Ronald H. Friedl.
Ronald H Friedl served in the Air Force from 1958-1962 as a Mechanic for Strategic Air Command. He was stationed at Anderson Air Force Base Guam and played for the Air Force baseball team.
Wounded and disabled veteran anglers from all branches of military service will gather in Southwest Florida for fellowship, competition, and tribute during the month of February.
Email your completed form to fwah@fishwithahero.com
TOURNAMENT RULES
The Ronald H. Friedl Memorial Tournament is a catch and release event that will run from February 1 through February 29, 2024.
Anglers will fish from shore, boats, kayaks, or other watercraft by themselves, with guides, or in small groups using conventional or fly-fishing tackle.
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A cash prize of $200 will be awarded to the largest Snook.
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A $100 bonus prize will be awarded to those anglers catching the largest fish using fly fishing tackle!
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An additional $100 bonus will be awarded is the winning fish is caught WITHOUT using a professional guide!
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Another $100 bonus will be awarded if the winning fish is caught using a fly the angler tied!
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An additional $100 bonus prize will be awarded if the winning angler is an Air Force veteran, as was the honoree of this tournament!
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So, for example, an unguided Air Force veteran catching the largest snook using fly fishing tackle and a fly that they tied would win $600!!!
Email your completed form to fwah@fishwithahero.com
Qualified Waters
Waters that anglers may fish are Charlotte, Lee, Collier and Hendry County waters extending not more than 30 miles offshore.
Qualified Anglers
THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE. Participants must be a wounded or disabled US military veteran currently enrolled in the Southwest Florida Project Healing Waters Program. Otherwise qualified participants may enroll in this program by calling Ronnie Friedl at (239) 994-7562.
Qualified Guides
Guides are not eligible for cash prizes. However, guides of winning participants will be recognized with awards memorializing their achievements. Qualified guides must be active charter captains or other individuals having substantial current experience on the waters they will be fishing.
Submission of Entries
Submissions must include a picture of the fish along with an official Tournament ruler showing the length of the fish and (if applicable) the fly rod and the fly used to catch the fish. Additionally, anglers must certify that the catch complied with the rules of the Tournament.
Leader Board and Awards
A Tournament Leader Board will be maintained on Social Media during the contest. An Awards Event will be held in March to honor Tournament Winners.
