STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Coastal Conservation Association Texas (formerly known as Gulf Coast Conservation Association), formed in 1977, is dedicated to the conservation of marine life. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, CCA Texas is committed to putting fish where fish used to be. Through education, legislation, improved law enforcement, and restocking programs, what began as concern for fourteen sportsmen has become a ground swell of support involving well over 40,000 members.
Our success story is impressive. However, with coastal habitat diminishing while the sport of saltwater fishing flourishes, our marine resources remain under heavy pressure. Though CCA Texas has released over one quarter billion fingerlings into Texas bay systems to date, more action is mandatory to supplement the existing fisheries, as well other marine related programs.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported that approximately 1.25 million people participated in saltwater fishing last year. CCA Texas’ immediate aim is to bring these fishermen into our ranks. The expanded revenues gained through new memberships materially benefit CCA Texas’ ability to put more fish in the water. In this effort, we would further underscore our desire to establish a higher awareness among the general public of the need for effective resource management and marine conservation.
What is STAR?
The State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo (STAR) is, in effect, our membership recruitment drive for CCA Texas. It is exclusive in that all tournament entrants must be a current CCA Texas member before they are eligible to fish the STAR Tournament. It spans the entire Texas Gulf Coast and offers over $1,000,000 in prizes and scholarships. It covers five major media markets for a three-month period starting the Saturday before Memorial Day and continues through Labor Day. Fishing categories include: Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Gafftop, Dorado, King Mackerel and Ling (Cobia). Prepaid college scholarships worth approximately $300,000 are awarded to kids each year, in increments up to $50,000 each, for catching the easiest and most plentiful bay species. A special tagged Redfish division is also included, with winners receiving complete boat and truck combos. Since fishing is the number one recreational sport in the country, CCA Texas has not limited participation to only the glamour species, so that we may effectively reach the fishing “family”. The tournament is professionally directed “to ensure” a squeaky-clean” outcome. It is also zero-budgeted; that is, the money raised is plowed back into the event in the form of media, prizes and more scholarships. Indeed, it is a fun, wholesome recreational event for the entire family. With the option to fish for 100 consecutive days of action coast-wide, anyone can win, any time!!!
