About

Part of the prestigious Mercury/Redbone Celebrity Tournament series (www.Redbone.org), this event is a catch-and-release tournament that focuses on fun, conservation, sportsmanship and most importantly, raising funds to benefit cystic fibrosis research. Participants, including celebrity guests, will fish for red drum and speckled trout (hence, “Red Trout”) in the inshore waters of the Cape Fear area. The public is invited to purchase tickets to attend the opening dinner where they will be able to participate in a silent auction for beautiful artwork, vacations and many other items to help raise funds for CFF.

The Cape Fear Red Trout Celebrity Classic is characterized by its charitable nature and its focus on friendly competition (Click here to see images from previous events!). Participants include seasoned anglers and novices, family members and friends, males and females, young and old, and all are assisted by professional guides who donate their time and expertise to the event. While the tournament Grand Champion will qualify to compete in the Rolex/IGFA Inshore Tournament of Champions for three days in the Florida Keys, the tournament awards consist primarily of beautiful and valuable artwork, bragging rights and the satisfaction of making a personal contribution to the fight against a debilitating disease.

The Cape Fear Red Trout is part of a successful and burgeoning series of inshore, light-tackle celebrity tournaments to benefit CFF. The Mercury/Redbone Celebrity Tournament series began in 1988 as a small local fundraising tournament in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. It was organized by Capt. Gary and Susan Ellis to help CF patients like their daughter, Nicole. The late Hall of Fame slugger Ted Williams, a Keys’ resident during and after his playing days, helped the Ellis family attract celebrities such as Curt Gowdy, Joe DiMaggio, John Havlicek, Wade Boggs and many others to compete in the tournament. Through the efforts of guides, anglers and volunteers, they raised $16,000 at that first event.

Mercury Outboards joined as the series title sponsor in 1991. As the series grew, the world leader in fuel-efficient, low-emissions marine propulsion continued to dedicate increasing manpower and money to the events. “Mercury and its employees are deeply committed to helping wipe out cystic fibrosis,” said Pat Mackey, president of Mercury Marine. “Great strides in gene research for a cure have been made in recent years, and we’re excited about being on board this extremely worthwhile cause.” 

The celebrated Mercury Redbone series has gained national and international attention luring distinguished anglers from all around the world – including former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. It has raised millions of dollars for cystic fibrosis research.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and can lead to life-threatening lung infections.  The CF mucus also obstructs the pancreas, interfering with digestion.  Currently there is no cure.