NSFA History & Structure
Acknowledgement
We hereby acknowledge our debt to the founding officers and members whose talents, including their knowledge of the sea and love of fishing, have made this organization possible.
Our Mission Statement:
To develop and promote salt water fishing in the Nassau County area while adhering to state, federal and local regulations, to encourage compliance with rules of water safety by club members and the general public, and to promote youth related community activities. Such efforts may be in funds or other activities deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
Here are some highlights from the history of the Nassau Sport Fishing Association
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association (NSFA) was established in 1983 as a not-for-profit organization authorized by the State of Florida.
The club was based on those individuals who best represented those ideas defined in the Club's Mission Statement.
NSFA started out small in its early stages, holding club tournaments and social events. The club continues to grow and actively supports several fishing tournaments and the placement of off shore artificial reefs.
Reef "BA" located approximately 16.5 miles, 97 degrees east of the St. Mary's entrance buoy was created in 1995 and in 2006 the club partnered with the
Some NSFA Club Activities
Monthly Meetings
The club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of every month except November and December, when the Christmas party is held. Generally the first meeting of each month will be a business meeting and the second meeting will be a social meeting (covered dish).
Fish of the Season
The Fish of the Season is an interclub tournament where each member has an opportunity to catch the largest designated fish species for that time period. In order to qualify for The Fish of the Season, the designated fish must be weighed at Atlantic Seafood, Amelia Island Bait & Tackle or at Amelia Marina and a weight slip must be presented at the first regular meeting or the social meeting following that time period by the angler who caught the fish.
Under the current rules, which can change from year to year, there are Fivf time periods between January and November that target nine different species of fish.
Anytime from January through November, a Grand Slam can be weighed in consisting of a redfish, a trout and a flounder caught on the same day. All fish must be weighed-in on the same weigh slip. A cash award is given at the Annual Awards Dinner for the biggest slam weighed in during the year.
Quarterly cash awards are given for the three biggest fish caught for that time period. Winners must be members in good standing (dues paid by March 31 or a Lifetime Member). First quarter winners will receive their cash awards at the first meeting in April.
All anglers submitting weigh slips will accumulate points toward the Angler of the Year. The three members with the highest point totals at the end of November will be named Anglers of the Year in first, second and third place.
The committee for the Fish of the Season picks the fish of the time period.
FWC Kid's Fishing Clinic Support
Each year the club helps the FWC promote and staff the annual Kid's Fishing Clinic at Fort Clinch where every participant takes home a rod & reel and fond memories of a day fishing. The motto for the tournament is “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs”.
Shrimp Festival
The coordination and operation of a food booth at this event supports the financial stability of our club, helping us to provide for the year's planned activities.
Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo
This event is presented by the Nassau Sport Fishing Association and has a division that is sanctioned by the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA). Major cash and prize awards are given out to the top anglers, lady anglers and youth anglers. This is a two day public event and concludes with an awards ceremony and entertainment.
Since 1983, this annual tournament has grown to become a favorite stop on the Southern Kingfish Association Division 5 tournament trail, with numerous anglers competing for the right to fish in the SKA nationals in November.
Volunteer Appreciation Event
An annual event or activity is scheduled for club members that have volunteered to help on a committee or project during the year on a date selected by the Board of Directors.
Annual Awards & Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
This event closes out the year of all the activities we sponsor and is open to club members in good standing.
Volunteers are needed to help these programs thrive. These fine events depend on people just like you. It is amazing the talents people discover they have when they volunteer to help.
Traditional Standing Committee Activities
Education - Responsible for education programs on fishing techniques, species identification, fishing locations and other fishing matters
Fish of the Season- Organize and manage the fish-of-the-season. Determine the Angler of the Year
Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo - Responsible for planning, organizing and conducting the Tournament and award festivities
Membership - Responsible for maintaining the membership of the NSFA and for conducting programs to attract new members
Political Action & Public Relations – Provide PR exposure for the club and club events
Scholarship Committee – Review the submitted applications from
Shrimp Festival- Responsible for planning, organizing and managing the operation of the club’s booth
Social Functions – Organize and prepare for the monthly club socials
Storage Facility - Responsible for the inventory, maintenance and storage of the club’s equipment and supplies
Annual Awards & Volunteer Appreciation Dinner - Responsible for planning, organizing and conducting the Christmas party
Website - Responsible for maintaining the website
Nassau Sport Fishing Association Club Officers
Term
The election of Officers and Directors shall be held at the first meeting in November and shall be for a term of one year beginning on the first of January following the election.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, the immediate past President and two members at large elected by the general membership.