How to Plan a Fins & Skins Tournament

With several websites and even a television program dedicated to it, the concept of Fins and Skins, or combining fishing with golf, is gaining in popularity. Even celebrities from across the entertainment field, including musicians, actors and professional athletes, are taking part in events to promote fishing and golf as a vacation combination. But you can plan your own Fins and Skins tournament as well, just like the television show in which the host and a celebrity check out a hot spot to combine fishing and golf.

Instructions

    • 1

      Tell a group of friends you'd like to have a Fins and Skins tournament. Send a private memo around the office, an email to your list of sports-minded friends, or even advertise in a community newspaper. List a particular week or month you'd like to go, and this will sort out those available during that time.

      Alternately, plan a one-day event, including a time for the first cast and a time for the first tee shot. Set a registration fee to at least cover the cost of greens fees and any prizes you will award.

    • 2

      Set a deadline for your friends to RSVP. Once you have a head count, find a home base for your adventure. Websites such as Vacation Rentals by Owner list vacation homes available for rent around the world. Book your accommodations and solicit a minimum deposit from each participant to cover any reservation requirements.

    • 3

      Reserve your fishing vessel and golf course(s). The chamber of commerce of your destination town can provide you with names of fishing expedition leaders and golf courses which may welcome your tournament.

      Inform the golf course pro shop that you are hosting a tournament and would like to set aside a consecutive group of tee times. If you are renting a captain to go with the fishing boat, be clear about what will be provided. If you will charter the vessel yourself, tell participants what they should bring, such as their own equipment, food and drink, etc.

    • 4

      Mix up the schedule of activities. One day, have an early first cast of the fishing poles and a late-afternoon tee time. The next day, golf early in the morning and wet the lines after dinner. If no fishing vessel rental restrictions are in place, squeeze in a round of golf between morning and evening fishing activity.

      Offer different prize categories each day, such as biggest fish (or smallest fish), lowest or highest golf score. Your golf tournament can include prizes for the longest drive or closest to the pin on a designated hole.

    • 5

      Consider a regular source for food during your stay. Search for catering companies that will deliver regular meals to your site, or contact local restaurants and ask about discounts they may offer if you promise them a large amount of business for the week.

    • 6

      Plan a party for the last night of the trip, and give away prizes in as many categories as you'd like. Host a fishing portion of the night as well as a golfing portion. Tell everyone involved, even those who may not have won a prize, that you will take pictures and email them or post them on a social networking page. Let people know that if there is enough interest, the tournament can become an annual event.