TWO FISHING TOURNEMENTS COMING TO THE AREA! by; Rick McCann

GULF SHORES, ALA.----JULY 4 2007 The world's top saltwater anglers return to Gulf Shores this weekend for the only Alabama stop on the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup circuit.
The most visible and lucrative saltwater fishing series in the world, organizers said, will be at Lucy Buffett's Lulu's at Homeport Marina Friday through Sunday. Daily weigh-ins will take place at 3 p.m. on the custom-designed Redfish Cup stage in the midst of a festival atmosphere featuring live music and local vendors.
The event will feature the top 30 teams of the past three years based on cumulative points, battling it out for the $60,000 top prize.
The fishing action kicks off Friday when the anglers set out from Lulu's Homeport Marina into the Gulf of Mexico. After two days, the field will be trimmed to just the top five teams for a final-day showdown on Sunday. Full tournament coverage can be seen each Sunday at 7 a.m. EST on ESPN2, organizers said.
"This is a pivotal moment in the season for our anglers," said David Healy, vice president of sales and sponsorship for the cup. "We're a little over halfway through the season, so there's going to be some new faces that have only recently qualified for the All-Stars, as well as the saltwater stars our fans have come to expect."
The Gulf Shores All-Star Midseason Bash will also feature a charity silent auction with all proceeds going to Care House, a local center for physically, mentally and sexually abused children. The auction will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Lulu's.
Fishing fans will have the chance to bid on many different items, including autographed selections from the Guy Harvey "Artist Series" wine collection. The famed artist, scientist, diver, underwater videographer and angler has created a different marine wildlife-themed label for each custom-blended varietal using his signature compelling action and fine detail. Guy Harvey Enterprises also has donated several framed and matted limited edition prints for the auction.
The Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup is in its fifth year. The 2007 Cup, which features 10 events from Texas to North Carolina, offers its largest purse ever at more than $2 million.
"Working with the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Nation staff and anglers last year for another All-Star event and the Redfish Championship was great for Alabama's Gulf Coast," said Beth Gendler, director of sales at the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We are very excited to welcome the group back and know it will be a fantastic event. This event just adds to the excitement of summer vacation along the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, not to mention the fun atmosphere at Lulu's restaurant. We hope to see this event happen in Gulf Shores for many years to come."
Sponsors of the 2007 Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup includes Oh Boy! Oberto Beef Jerky, Tabasco, Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Lake and Bay Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Falcon Rods, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Lucky Craft, Motorguide, Berkley, Texas Tackle Factory, Finatic Fishing Apparel, McAleer Marine, Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, Lulu's at Homeport Marina and the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
To learn more about the Alabama Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshores.com or call 1-800-745-SAND (7263).


DAULPHIN ISLAND------July 20,21 and 22 the annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing 75th tournament will kick off sponsored by the Mobile Jaycee's. This year the event is expecting some 3,000 fishermen to enter and as always it will be a great week-end! There is a entry fee for participants but no charge for all of the spectators.