To the Editor:

I would like to extend a tremendous “Thank you!” to everyone who attended the 11th annual Pine Island Fishing Tournament and Derby at the Olde Fish House Marina, and to all those who donated many hours, talents, services, and products to make this a successful event for the Matlacha Hookers. First, I would like to thank all my sister Hookers — what an excellent job everyone of you did in making this not only a successful fund-raiser, but a fun event! Obviously — Hookers Rule! It was wonderful to see so many of our newest members participating; I hope you saw how much fun we have when we are working to give back to our community.

I cannot begin to single out each individual or business that participated, so please do not feel slighted if I forget a name or two. First — to ALL the committee overseers — you were awesome, organized, happy, dedicated and saw to it that each component of the day ran smoothly. If there were any “glitches,” they were minor and you took care of them in a very competent manner. Some of you enjoyed your specific part of the tournament, that you have already volunteered to be an overseer again next year. And if anyone has ideas or suggestions on how we can make the tournament and derby a better event, do not hesitate to let us know.

To the various businesses that participated — THANK YOU! First to John Skorupski and Olde Fish House Marina — thanks for putting up with us Hookers before, during and after the tournament — I hope we can count on you again next year for your support. To those businesses that donated merchandise for our fish fry — it was a delicious success; our thanks to you. Steve Phanco once again made a beautiful bait cast net for us, helped filet fish, and was an overall help during the day. Swallow Bait, Seven Seas Bait & Tackle, B & B Bait — thank you for all the live bait you donated for our kids to have a successful day fishing. All the island businesses that assisted with tournament tee shirt sales, and angler registration — you all played a big part in the success of the event. Our silent auction was very successful thanks to the generosity of Hookers, artists, galleries, attractions, lodgings and more — not only on Pine Island but throughout Lee County. And — those of you who bid on and purchased the items in the silent auction — thanks for your support! The Chinese auctions were very popular, and those who donated to and packaged the baskets did a fantastic job.

Butch Gay — again you did a wonderful job of securing the musicians for the event — Soapbox, Gil and Alice Grouper, Kerri and Gary, Southbound. We all love our Pine Island musicians, and were pleased that they continued to play long after the Fish Fry had ended. Our adult anglers — thank you for participating; I only wish the weather and winds had been more cooperative for you — we hope you will fish at next year’s tournament.

As Madam, I want to thank everyone not mentioned above — all the volunteers who worked during the day, the children who fished and their parents who came out to support them, Principal Rob and Pine Island Elementary School for your support, and Pine Island! It was fun.

Lisa Benton

“Cinco de Madam”