Tournament raises money for cancer patients

   Anglers from all across the United States gathered in St. Petersburg this week to help sick children in need. Over the past decade, the Mercury Marine Celebrity Fishing Tournament, started by former Tampa Bay Rays general manager Chuck Lamar, has raised more than $1-million for the Tampa-based Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

This year, angler contributions amounted to more than $160,000 to help the find a cure for childhood cancer. John Cumberland of Lutz reeled in a grand slam of redfish, snook and trout on the waters of Tampa Bay.

Guided by Captain Tim Drummond, Cumberland caught a total of 83.5 inches to become the overall winner in the pro-am catch, photograph and release fishing tournament.  Because this tournament was a qualifier for the Florida Keys Outfitters/International Game Fish Association Inshore World Championship in Islamorada July 7-9, 2009, Cumberland will be representing PCF this summer.

In other honors, John Tortorella, the former Tampa Bay Lightning coach, was presented the Ted Williams Award at Friday night’s Fishermen’s Ball, This award honors an individual with a love for the outdoors who is dedicated to his community and to children’s causes. 

Captain Bret Gamrot received the Lucky Strike Award, which recognizes a tournament guide who displays excellent character, quality service and a commitment to finding a cure for pediatric cancers.