Attention !!!!
Registration for Newport / Depoe Bay Event
Closes on Sunday July 6 @ Midnight
Welcome to the Oregon Tuna Classic. 2008 marks our fourth annual Tuna Classic Tournament Series with all proceeds going to the Oregon Food Bank® and Ducks Unlimited®. As you know, Oregon Food Bank is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to feeding hungry families in Oregon. In 2008, one in five families will need an emergency food box from Oregon Food Bank.
We’ve teamed up with Ducks Unlimited to bring sportsmen together that share a passion for the pursuit of the pelagic along with the desire to help those less fortunate. It is through contributions and assistance of people like you that we’re able to support these noble causes.
The 2008 events are expected to attract hundreds of anglers from all over Oregon. Last year’s events produced over 7,300 pounds of Albacore tuna and a cash contribution of $25,000.00 for Oregon Food Bank and its statewide network. Last year over 140 teams signed up for all three events with over 760 participants. This year, over 200 boats and nearly 1,000 people are expected to participate in all four events including the post-tournament award celebrations.
This years derbies are being covered by Sportfishing Magazine and Western Outdoors News and will be broadcast on air by a soon to be announced media partner.
History of the Oregon Tuna Classic
An avid fisherman thought of a creative new way to help fight hunger in Oregon. He found himself giving fresh Albacore tuna to friends and co-workers and started wondering why he wasn’t also giving fish to those that truly needed it. Inspired, he along with a few compassionate fishermen and friends went to work and the first Oregon tuna tournament came to life.
In 2005, a small group joined to organize the I Fish for Food Tuna Tournament with the idea that anglers could spend the day doing what they love, while feeding hungry families. Twenty teams competed to catch as much fish as they could. By the end of the day, over 100 tuna, totaling more than 2,100 pounds, were ready to be canned and donated to the Oregon Food Bank Network.
Dick Crossley of Tillamook Country Smoker won the tournament, catching 25 of the 100 Albacore. As the winner, his prize was to be reimbursement of the expenses used to pursue and catch the tuna. When Crossley was presented the prize, he graciously decided to donate the funds back to the Oregon Food Bank Network.
In an effort to continue such a great tradition, in 2006 The Oregon Tuna Classic was registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization and a committee was formed to secure sponsorships and to effectively plan all future events. Again in 2008, and with the assistance and participation of a great roster of sponsors to join our group of compassionate participants, we are once again hoping for a “great catch for a great cause” – all to benefit the Oregon Food Bank.
2006 Oregon Food Bank News Release
2007 Oregon Food Bank News Release
Tournament dates and locations :
Newport/Depoe Bay...July 12th
Hammond...July 26th
Charleston...August 9th
Garibaldi...August 23rd
The members of the Oregon Tuna Classic
would like to extend a warm and heart felt
Thank you
To the
Men, Women and Families of our Armed Forces
Past...Present...and Future.
It is because of your Service and Sacrifice to our Country
that we have the freedoms we do.
