Fishing tournament set for April 20-21
SARASOTA – Earlier this month, Joann Day was recognized at the Tidewell Foundation Luncheon for having raised $50,000 the last three years for the Sarasota non-profit organization. Somewhere, Chad Day was smiling. While appreciating the attention, Joann Day wishes it wasn’t necessary, meaning Chad, her son, today would be alive and most likely pursuing his love of fishing.
“That was his passion,” Joann said. “That’s what he always did. He always fished. And he was really good. Everybody was always amazed how he could catch fish.”
That’s what the 23-year-old Bradenton resident was doing on Jan. 21, 2014, when Joann got a call at work from her only child. Chad had suffered a seizure while fishing. He was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where a CT scan revealed a brain tumor. Surgery at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa removed as much of the tumor as possible, but tests revealed it to be a glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of cancer which begins in the brain.
Though he fought valiantly, 24year-old Chad Day died on May 16, 2015. To honor his son and his love of fishing, Joann Day started the Chad Day Fishing Tournament to benefit the Tidewell Foundation. In the last weeks of his life, Chad Day was cared for by Tidewell Hospice. The first tournament, in 2019, attracted nine boats and raised $3,000. But since then, it’s grown to where Joann last year generated $20,559.
The 6th Annual Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament/Charity Event will take place April 20 and 21 at The Tarpon Bay Grill and Tiki Bar, 7120 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. It’s a catchand-release tourney costing $320 per boat. The fee includes a captain’s bucket with a dry fit long-sleeve shirt for the captain, meals for all the anglers, and other items.
To register, or to donate, visit ChadDay.profishingtournaments.com.
Anglers will be fishing for snook, redfish and trout. First place in each category is $1,000, with $700 for second and $300 for third. The captains’ meeting will be Saturday, April 20 at 3 p.m. Captains must attend the meeting, and fishing can begin immediately after it. The last picture must be submitted by 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21.
For information, call Joann Day at (941) 228-5012.