What may become the largest fishing tournament in the northeast — the 18th annual Charity Shoot Out fishing tournament — will kick off July 19 at Crocker's Boatyard in New London, Conn.

The event, hosted by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association, has expanded to five categories this year, allowing more anglers to fish from boats and from shore. Anglers will fish two days for shark, tuna, striped bass, bluefish and fluke.

Prizes will include a 25-foot Mako center console boat with a 250-hp Evinrude Ficht outboard and a 2000 center console May Craft with 150-hp Mercury outboard and trailer.

Tournament cash prizes will grow as entries grow. The CMTA is expecting 300 anglers with cash awards reaching $10,000. Prizes will be prorated based on entries in each of the five categories. There is also a trophy-only category for the most released fish.

Fish tagging packages will be handed out to tournament participants at the dock, and representatives from the National Marine Fisheries Service will be on hand to study samples. The scientists are particularly interested in bluefish, mako and thresher sharks.

The tournament committee, led by Scott Masse, president of CMTA, has focused on raising awareness of Connecticut?s natural resources and raising funds for regional charity programs. This year?s beneficiaries will be The Fisherman Magazine?s Artificial Reef Program and a children?s fishing program in New London.

Basic registration is $99. Entry includes a chance to win in any two of the species categories. Additional categories can be included for $49 each. A captain?s meeting will be held Thursday, July 19, to review tournament rules. A captain?s awards dinner and premium bag are included in the registration. Contact the Connecticut Marine Trades Association for more details.

For tournament registration or more information, contact the CMTA, 20 Plains Road, Essex, Conn., 06426; (860) 767-2645; fax, (860) 767-3559; e-mail, [email protected]; web site, www.ctmarinetrades.org.