For the seventh consecutive years, anglers are again invited to participate in the annual David Lee Root Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament.

Anglers this weekend will be vie for cash prizes and all proceeds will benefit a good cause. This year, money raise from the event will be donated to the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation’s Trauma Program. These life-saving emergency services benefit residents and visitors in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, Desoto and Sarasota counties providing emergency health services. The Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital is the only certified level II Trauma Center between Tampa and Miami with full-time trauma surgeons available 24-hours a day,

The tournament will take place on Saturday, July 24, and will be staged at D&D Bait and Tackle in Matlacha. The entry fee will be $50 per angler with no limit as to how many anglers per vessel which allows for individuals to fish from kayaks and canoes as well as standard fishing boats. The price of registration will include the privilege of fishing the tournament in hopes of winning one of several prizes as well as an official tournament T-shirt, admission to the Captain’s Meeting and other goodies. The rules for this year’s tournament are as follows:

1. Catch fish and have a great time for a great cause

2. Entry fee $50 per person. Minimum 2 fishermen per boat. You cannot come back with more fishermen then you left with

3. Photo and Release. State fishing laws and Coast Guard rules apply

4. Team may measure 2 redfish and 1 trout. Total length of 3 will determine winner and prize slot. Tie will be high card draw

5. Honor start with lines in at 7 a.m.

6. Wading is allowed

7. No fishing permitted within 1,000 feet of D&D Matlacha Bait and Tackle or any other marina

8. All teams must be represented at the Captain’s meeting

9. David’s memory will live on and continue through the Trauma Unit which serves everyone in Lee County

10. Have fun!

The Captain’s meeting will take place prior to the tournament on Friday, July 23, at D&D Bait and Tackle located at 3922 Pine Island Road in Matlacha. The meeting will take place beginning at 7 p.m and at least one member of each team must attend to remain eligible to fish on Saturday. However, there will be no limit as to how many team members will be allowed to attend. The Captain’s meeting will include discussion of the event schedule and rules and pizza from Iragazzi Pizza will be served.

This year the tournament will be a photo and release contest.

The final weigh-in will take place at the docks at D&D at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday when the winners will be determined. Prizes to be awarded will be $1,500 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third with other prizes to be announced the day of the tournament. According to tournament organizer, David Root, Sr., last year a total of 40 boats participated in the unlimited field of competition.

The public is also encouraged to visit the weigh-in site during the afternoon hours to enjoy a barbecue and take chances on several raffles, make bids on auction items and purchase 50/50 tickets in hopes of taking home a cash winning.

For more information about the event or to register, call Dave or Debbie Root at 282-9122 or 340-4488 or Duane Higgins at 985-3578.

Named for the son of David and Debbie Root, owners of D&D Matlacha Bait and Tackle, David Lee Root Jr. lost his life on July 4, 2001, at the age of 18. David Jr. was fatally injured in an automobile accident which took place in St. James City. The annual tournament was established in his memory and each year anglers from all over Lee County have come to fish the event and show their support of the good causes supported in part by the memorial fund. Other beneficiaries of the event have included the Pine Island/Matlacha Fire Control District which has received life-saving equipment from funds raised by the fishing tournament.

More information about the David Lee Root Jr. Memorial Fund can be found at davidrootmemorial.com