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The Back Country Classic has always been the smaller, more intimate event amongst its counterparts in the wildly popular Caloosa Tournament Series.

This year, calling Naples' largest fishing tournament a throwback has taken on added meaning.

The event moves to its new site when lines hit the water on Saturday, the last of two days of fun and festivities at the Port of the Islands Resort & Marina outside Everglades City.

The new setting harkens back to Florida's early years, and director Ron Riley is confident it's the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, anglers, sportsmen and sun bathers alike. The waterways boast some of the best game fish in the state, and offer direct, unobstructed access to the Ten Thousand Islands and the surrounding Gulf.

"We've been looking in Naples for the perfect location," Riley said, "and this is just the perfect setting. It's 16 miles outside of the heart of Naples, and it's kind of a sportsman's paradise. Just the whole resort concept, and then from a fishing standpoint, it's really one of the best spots in the world."

The second leg in this year's series, the Back Country will pit anglers against one another in a full day of catch-and-release fishing for snook, redfish, and assorted mystery fish. Up to $15,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded, with custom tournament gear provided to all anglers and trophies for the top three teams.

Anglers and guests will enjoy the first of two dinners at Angler's Cove Restaurant & Bar, plus an open bar, during Friday night's registration and captain's meeting. Every team that registers a catch will also be invited to November's Caloosa Grand Championship, a chance to compete for over $45,000 in cash and prizes.

All proceeds benefit athletic scholarships at Florida Gulf Coast University.

"It's designed to be highly competitive, but still welcome everybody," Riley said. "The location, I think, is just gonna add to that. It's a brand new marina but a historic hotel, and we run the resort, so to speak, for the weekend. I think it will raise the bar in terms of the fun and the camaraderie."

Space is still available but it's going quick. For more info, call Riley at (239) 671-9347, or visit www.dingdarlingdays.com for updates or call the refuge at (239) 472-1100.