Matlacha Hookers 16th Annual Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament Derby scheduled for Oct. 19
Mark your calendars the Matlacha Hookers 16th Annual Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament & Derby will be held Sunday, Oct. 19.
“The event will be held at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha,” Chaplain Tine Bush said. “We will start the night before with the Captain’s Meeting at Olde Fish House Marina on Saturday, at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 19, we will kick off the tournament at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.”
Over the last 15 years this event has raised more than $175,000 for Pine Island Elementary School. The goal this year is to break all previous records.
“This is a special day of fishing, fantastic food, live music and fund-raising,” she said. “The event features a tournament for the children that runs in conjunction with a tournament for adult anglers that features $2,500 in cash prizes for redfish, trout, snook and slam.
“This event has become an island tradition for many island families,” Bush added. “I’d like to invite everyone to show their support by either entering the contest as an adult or sponsoring a child. Every sponsored child will receive a new fishing rod and reel, live bait, a tournament T-shirt, lunch, drinks, a treat bag and activities throughout the day plus a chance to win a new bike and safety helmet. The memories will last a lifetime.”
The adult entry fee is $60 and the child sponsor fee is $30. Maximum four people per boat.
Registration forms are available at Olde Fish House Marina, Four Winds Marina and Seven Seas Bait and Tackle. You can also register by visiting www.MatlachaHookers.org
This year’s sponsors are Bert’s Bar and Grill, Traders Hitching Post, WildChild Gallery, Seven Seas Bait and Tackle, Miceli’s Restaurant, Total Payroll Management, Shallow Bait, Little Lilly’s Island Deli, Woody’s Island Rum Bar & Grill and the Matlacha Mariners.
In 1998, 21 women got together and decided to “make a positive difference in their community. Those women formed a women’s charitable organization called the Matlacha Hookers. Hundreds of women have signed up over the years! Any woman over 21 can join by filling out an application and paying the annual dues of $20. For more information, visit www.MatlachaHookers.org