The wildly popular RI Tog Classic put on by Crafty One Custom Rods in Portsmouth, Rhode Island attracts anglers from all over the East Coast. Last year there were participants hailing from every New England state, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and even as far south as Georgia! The reason why this tournament draws such an astounding crowd is because all of the proceeds from this annual event are donated to cancer charities, in particular, charities that help families who are taking on a cancer diagnosis with a loved one. Sadly, cancer touches every person in one way or another and it’s a soft spot for so many people; a tournament like this one, makes it possible to feel like you’re honoring your loved one who has passed on or has won the battle, while also helping others who are in the thick of some of the most difficult times in their lives.
While the RI Tog Classic is a competition, make no mistake about that, Ralph Craft (owner of Crafty One Custom Rods) and his crew do a great job setting the tone that this tournament is greater than the sum of its parts and egos are checked at the door. This fosters a feeling of community and camaraderie that flavors the entire event and makes it even more exciting that your typical fishing tournament.
One of the biggest highlights of this event is the after party and raffle. Park yourself near the scale and you’re going to see some world-class tog come to the hook. Take a walk through the raffle, which takes up two levels of a large building, and you’ll be astounded. There are prizes for everyone in this ‘bucket-style’ raffle. With charter trips, custom rods, custom lures, gift certificates for spa treatments and days of beauty, boat electronics, housewares, this year there’s even a mini split system that comes with local installation! And they’re also giving away a boat equipped with spotlock! As if that weren’t enough, there are food trucks serving amazing food, live music by the band Moment’s Notice and great anglers from all over the East Coast. There are several high-stakes Calcuttas and the top three winners in each division win amazing prizes, to be determined.
With categories for shore, boat, kayak and youth, there are many ways to win. The after-party at the Portuguese American Citizen’s Club (35 Power Street in Portsmouth, RI) is almost as much fun as the fishing! The entry fee is $100 per angler. Togging is always a ton of fun, but togging for a cause is even better, so whether you want to win or just enjoy the after-party and buy as many raffle tickets as you can afford, you simply do not want to miss this awesome, once-a-year event! Check out www.craftyonecustoms.com for more information.
