PIE Tournament sure to attract anglers and non-anglers alike
Fishing amid a festival atmosphere will draw folks from all around the Pine Island area this weekend when the Matlacha Hookers present the 12th annual PIE Fishing Tournament and Derby. This year’s event will be staged at the Olde fish House Marina in Matlacha throughout the day on Sunday, Oct. 17.
“In the past, hundreds of non-fishermen and women have come to the event even though they had no interest in fishing,” said Matlacha Hooker, Sandy Bruner. “The reason they come is for the many auction items up for grabs. This year the Chinese auction, as well as the silent auction, will offer something for every member of the family and I am sure lots of folks will want to come and check it out.”
Bruner also reminded that all proceeds from the auctions as well as 50/50s will benefit programs at Pine Island Elementary School.
The majority of items offered during the Chinese auction will be in the form of theme baskets and three tables will be set up for drawings that will take place during three designated times on the day of the event. This year’s derby and tournament will be staged at the Olde Fish House Marine in Matlacha and will take place throughout the day. The first of the Chinese auctions will feature baskets geared to families and children and will be drawn at 10:30 a.m.The next featured baskets will be food representing various countries around the world as well as libations and snacks and a special item called the “Pine Island Pam” basket. The second drawing will take place at 12:30 p.m. Last up for grabs, at 3 p.m. will be a drawing configured to attract anglers. For each of the Chinese auctions, winners must be present to claim their prize.
For those who would like to possibly win a special gift, also offered will be a Silent auction. Simply make a bid and wait for a phone call to participate in this auction. The seemingly endless list of items for the silent auction are available due to contributions from area businesses.
“Once again, our local businesses have opened their hearts to provide us with wonderful items to bid on at the silent auction including fishing excursions, boat trips and fun places to stay a night or two just to name a few,” Bruner said. “Don’t miss the fun of this wonderful auction and a chance to compete for some great deals.”
Silent auction items include; a three day/two night stay at Tween Waters, a fishing charter with Reel Desire followed by having your catch prepared for you at Sandy Hook restaurant in Matlacha, a one month membership for yoga lessons with Nicole, a one-night stay at Tarpon Lodge in Pineland, two tickets to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater for dinner and a show, a one half day fishing charter with Ken HONC, a one-year membership with SeaTow, a one-night stay at the Beachhouse in Bokeelia, a 20-minute flight with Kingfisher Aerial, Island Girl Charter passes, a cruise aboard the Pieces of Eight, a gift certificate from West Marine, a gift certificate from Bass Pro Shops, a water taxi ride from Captiva Charters, one night stay at Maggie’s Bed and Breakfast in St. James City, a computer tune-up from Anole Computer, a gift basket from Pampered Pup pet groomer, a custom made Adirondack chair, various works of art from local artists and much more.
Silent auction bidders need not be present to win and will be notified by phone.
Also throughout the day three 50/50s will be drawn. Winners for the 50/50s also must be present to win and the drawing times will be 10:30 a.m, 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. In addition, also at 4:30 p.m. will be a drawing for a 12-foot red, white and blue, cast net which was crafted and donated specifically for this annual event.
While awaiting the drawings, visitors to the event can relax under that large tent and enjoy entertainment provided by local musicians. The music line-up includes the South Bound Band, Crazy Uncle, Soap Box, Scrambled, String Town and Me and the Boys.
The Matlacha Hookers will have soft drinks, water and adult beverages available for purchase and those sticking around until 4:30 p.m. can purchase a dinner consisting of fresh fried mullet donated by Island Crab along with a variety of side dishes for a $5 donation. Dinner tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the Hooker booth.
For more information about the 12th annual PIE Fishing Tournament and Derby, visit the Hooker’s website at matlachahookers.org