The 51st annual Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo�, which spans the entire Myrtle Beach area and is open to all anglers, will kick off Thursday, April 1, and continue through October 31. More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded throughout the seven-month tournament, which is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

The tournament features three divisions: pier, surf and inlet, and deep-sea fishing. Trophies will be presented for outstanding catches in male, female, and youth categories in each division. Plaques will be awarded for the largest of species. These winners also will be eligible to win a $2,000 grand prize, which will be presented at an awards banquet in December. All qualified rodeo participants will receive an official Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo decal, and official shoulder patches will be awarded monthly to anglers entering the three heaviest fish of each species in each division. Additionally, Fish-of-the-Month prizes will be awarded for the four heaviest fish of the designated species each month.

Entry forms are available at these official weigh stations: Cherry Grove Pier, Apache Pier, 2nd Avenue Pier, Springmaid Beach Pier, Myrtle Beach State Park, The Pier at Garden City, Marlin Quay Marina, Capt. Dick�s Marina, and Surfside Pier.

The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo is aimed at promoting recreational fishing throughout the Myrtle Beach area. Last year�s participants included a total of 807 anglers, ranging in age from 4 to 80, from 16 states and Canada. For more information, call (843) 626-7444 Ext. 7214.

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Media Contact: Holley Aufdemorte +1 843-916-7218 aufdemh@mbchamber.org