Former Tour pro Sandy Melvin will conduct the annual Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament at Saturday in Boca Grande, Fla. The event benefits Moffitt Cancer Center and All Children's Hospital in Tampa, and last year's event raised $30,000.
The children of Elite Series pros Brent Chapman, Aaron Martens and Randy Howell will team with Capt. Frank Davis on the charter boat "Native" to represent Moffitt Cancer Center's "Families First" program. Elite Series angler Bobby Lane will also be on hand, leading a team from his local church representing All Children's Hospital.
"We are excited to have my bass fishing friends join us for this great event," said Melvin. "Brent is going to co-host the TV show we are producing along with Carlton Wing, while Aaron, Randy and Bobby are going to help with interviews and the on-the-water reporting."
The tournament is a catch-and-immediate-release event with a goal of teaching kids the importance of goodwill, conservation and sportsmanship. The kids compete for prizes such as Apple iPads and GoPro action video cameras, while the captains compete for cash prizes.
For more information, go to www.GasparillaIslandKidsClassic.com.
