Redfish, Kayak tournaments victims of BP oil spill

 The Inshore Fishing Association announced that the ongoing oil leakage from a BP-owned offshore drilling rig has forced the cancellation of the IFA Redfish Tour Presented by Cabela’s and the IFA Kayak Tour Presented by Hobie Fishing at Empire, scheduled for June 19-20.

Due to the nature of the ongoing damage to the sensitive wetlands caused by this environmental disaster, the IFA is not pursuing contingency plans at this time.

“It has become evident that due to potential health concerns, devastating financial impacts for their families and various other concerns – including the ongoing spread of oil and contaminants – that the anglers faced a bad situation,” said IFA Tour Marketing and Sponsorship Relations Director Bart Schad. “The IFA wishes to extend its prayers and support to all our members, friends, and competitors affected by this unprecedented disaster.”

The cancellation of the Empire tournament comes as a result of an oil spill that began on April 20, which originated from a drilling rig located southeast of the coast of Venice. An explosion on the rig created a leak that continues to spill millions of gallons of crude oil, resulting in an oil slick that plagues coastines, barrier islands and the Gulf of Mexico  itself.