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Connecticut Visually Impaired Person’s (VIP) Fishing Tournaments

2025 will mark the 18th Year of VIP Fishing in Connecticut! The Berlin Lions are proud to announce they continue to sponsor the VIP Junior and VIP Adult Fishing Tournaments. No fee is charged to register or attend the tournaments. Everything needed for an exciting day of fishing: the fishing charter for the adults, breakfast, fishing poles, bait, lunch, and awards are all provided. The three top anglers in both tournaments receive trophies as well.

The Tournament Committee works with BESB; Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind, the BVA; Blind Veterans Association, the NFB; The National Federation of the Blind, Berlin Lions, and Lions Clubs from around the state. These tournaments are possible through the volunteer support and financial assistance of these, as well as private and corporate donations.

VIP tournaments are not just a day of fishing. It’s an exciting day filled with old and new friendships, networking, not to mention a little friendly competition! They also offer the opportunity for personal growth and empowerment.

Dates

  • Sunday, April 27, 2025 – Junior VIP Fishing Tournament
  • Monday, May 19, 2025 – Adult VIP Fishing Tournament

Junior VIP Fishing Tournament – Sunday, April 27, 2025

The Junior event is open to all visually impaired children from 3 to 18 years of age. If registration is received before Saturday, April 12th, our junior VIPs also receive a tournament shirt and hat.

Location

Sage Park Pond, 1591 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin

Schedule

8:30–9:00am

 Registration and Breakfast

9:00 – 11:45pm

 Fishing

12:00pm

 Lunch and Awards

Junior VIP Fishing application can be found HERE

 

 

Adult VIP Fishing Tournament – Monday, May 19, 2025

The Adult tournament, open to those visually impaired age 18 years and older, is a full day of fishing aboard the Black Hawk Sport Fishing Charter out of Niantic, CT. 

Location

Black Hawk Sport Fishing Charter
11 Main Street (GPS Address), East Lyme, CT

Schedule for Adult Tournament

6:30–6:45am

 

Check in and board charter boat
Coffee, beverages, donuts, bagels and muffins will be available.

7:30am SHARP

We depart for fishing!  We can not hold the charter for anyone who does not arrive on time.  Please be sure you arrive no later than 6:45am.

 

LUNCH (turkey and ham sandwiches, snacks and beverages) will be provided on the boat.  You are also welcome to bring your own if preferred.

3:00pm

Approximate return to dock, Filomena’s Restaurant for dinner and awards.

 

Immediately following the tournament, dinner and awards will be held at:
Filomena’s Restaurant

Utopia Centre

262 Boston Post Road, Waterford

 

Adult VIP Registration can be found HERE

 

Additional Information

Registration must be received before Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 to receive a tournament shirt and hat.

If you have questions, would like an application for yourself, or if you know of someone who would benefit from the VIP experience, please contact Berlin Lion Charley Satkowski, or Lori Satkowski:

Email:  satkowski@sbcglobal.net

Home Tel: (860) 828-1427

Charley Cell:  (860) 538-5809

Lori Cell:  (860) 250-4663

 

DONATIONS IN ANY AMOUNT TO HELP CONTINUE TO OFFER THIS EVENT ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Donations to be made out to:

Berlin Lions Charities/CT VIP FISHING

222 Toll Gate Road

Berlin  CT  06037-3610

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