Fishing, food and music are all on tap this weekend when the Matlacha Hookers present the 11th annual PIE Fishing Tournament and Derby. This event not only attracts anglers from all around the Pine Island area but spectators of all ages as well. This year and in year’s past, the Hookers promise that this family friendly event will have something for everyone.

The festivities will take place at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha on Sunday, Oct. 18 and will run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no charge to attend the event and ample free parking will be available. This is a two-phase fishing contest with the tournament pitting adult anglers against one another to vie for cash prizes and a kids derby which promotes healthy outdoor activities for elementary school age children and their families. When the fishing is over, the fun will only just begin as the day will offer live music from local entertainers, a fish fry and numerous raffles.

Throughout the day, visitors to the event can participate in a Chinese auction which will be drawn three times over the course of the afternoon. The Hookers have been busy the last several weeks assembling themed baskets for the Chinese auction and include Italian baskets, baby boy and girl items, games for family game night, Halloween, Christmas, home office, gardening, a day at the beach, breast cancer awareness, car cleaning supplies, scrap booking, home comfort, Mexican, Cabela’s soft sided tackle box complete with gear, bears for babies, slowcooker with dip ingredients, a sushi basket, movie passes, free lube and oil change, five hours of free pool at Diamond Billiards, a cruise on the Tropic Star, gift certificates for Traders HItching Post, Vesuvio’s Lazy Flamingo, Geo’s and much more.

“This year we have been able to collect a wide variety of items for the auction and are very pleased with the response we have had from the generous folks who have contributed to the tournament,” said Chinese auction organizer Arlene Stornello. “Thanks to the support of area businesses and individuals, this year’s auction should be a big success.”

In addition to the Chinese auction, attendees can also participate in a silent auction as well. Items for the silent auction include: a half day fishing charter with Capt. Ken Honc of Coastal Harbor Charters; a day at the spa from CRE8 Salon and Spa; golf for two at Coral Oaks; a kayak package that includes one night for two at Angler’s Inn, burgers and beverages at Bert’s Bar and Grill, half day kayak trip and breakfast for two at the Perfect Cup; a computer tune up by Millennium Computer by Richard Ryan; a private wine tasting party for eight at Wine Styles; water taxi for two to Cabbage Key or North Captiva round trip; aerial sightseeing during a 20 minute flight with Kingfisher Aerials; a computer tune up from Anole Computers; two-night stay at the Beachous Lodge; a day of fishing with Reel Desire along with dinner at the Sandy Hook; a 30-minute ultralight flight with Wayne Reed at the Pine Island Airport; a custom-made Adirondack chair from Bluewater Trading Co. and artwork from several area artists.

“The number of items for the silent auction continues to grow and in addition to the great donations we have already received, I am sure we will have an impressive selection for bidders to choose from,” said Suzanne Brost, silent auction coordinator. “We have some very unusual items and great pieces of artwork that are sure to get a lot of attention.”

Those participating in the silent auction need not be present to win, however, those dropping tickets in for the Chinese auction must be at the event to claim their prize.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the Pine Island Elementary School and other island charities. For more information about this event or the Matlacha Hookers visit matlchahookers.org