VIP Fishing
Connecticut Visually Impaired Person’s (VIP) Fishing Tournaments
2026 will mark the 19th 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 many organizations including 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 a 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 26, 2026 – Junior VIP Fishing Tournament
- Monday, May 18, 2026 – Adult VIP Fishing Tournament
Junior VIP Fishing Tournament – Sunday, April 26, 2026
The Junior event is open to all visually impaired children from 3 to 18 years of age. If registration is received before Saturday, April 11th, our junior VIP’s 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 – 11:45am | Fishing |
| 12:00pm | Lunch and Awards |
Adult VIP Fishing Tournament – Monday, May 18, 2026
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 |
Additional Information and Registration Forms
Registration forms can be found here: https://www.ctberlinfair.com/p/vendors/new-vendor-page
The Junior VIP Application must be returned no later than Saturday, April 11th, 2026,
The Adult VIP Application must be returned no later than Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, 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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