First of the season redfish tournament to take place this weekend, Sept. 4
Billed as “We’re Fishing for Pete’s Sake” the first of the season redfish tournament will take place on Saturday, Sept. 4, to benefit an area firefighter.
“We are hosting this benefit fishing tournament to help out Pete Gee,” said tournament organizer Darlene Snyder. “He is currently fighting cancer and all of the raffle proceeds will go directly to Pete to aid in his medical expenses and living costs. So it is our hope that anglers and spectators will turn out to help support our efforts for one of our fallen heroes.”
The festivities will all take place from Bert’s Bar and Grill in Matlacha and will begin on Friday, Sept. 3, with a Captain’s meeting beginning at 5 p.m.
The cost to participate in this event will be $200 per four-angler team and prizes will be awarded for the combined weight of two legal redfish. Prizes include $1,200 for first place, $800 for second and $400 for their place. The fourth place finishers will be awarded free entry into next year’s competition. Registration forms for the Bert’s Redfish Challenge can be picked up at Bert’s Bar or sign up at Bert’s on Sept. 3, from 12 to 5 p.m.
The tournament rules for the Redfish Challenge are as follows:
— Entry fee of $200 per boat with a maximum of four anglers must be paid in advance of the tournament
— At least one member from each team must be represented at the Captain’s meeting
— All fish caught must be legal under FWC saltwater fishing regulations
— No fishing within 500 feet of Bert’s Bar and Grill or within 100 yards of another angler
— No wade fishing. All fish must be caught from the team’s boat. No exchanging bait or fish between boats
— Honor start from any launch at safe light
— Weigh-in starts at 11 a.m. All boats must be within sight of the dock at Bert’s Bar and Grill by 3:30 p.m. for the final weigh-in, no exceptions.
— Live release is encouraged, but not required and no bonus will be given for a live release and no penalty for dead fish
— Tie breaker will be determined by the time of weigh-in, first team to weigh in wins the tie
— The weigh master has the final decision in all disputes
— Tournament officials reserve the right to inspect fish for any reason at any time
On tournament day, beginning at 11 a.m., all are welcome to share in the celebration at Bert’s to enjoy food specials, live entertainment and vie for cash prizes with 50/50 raffles or take a chance on a drawing for a custom-made cast net from “Cast Net Steve”.
For more information about the Bert’s Redfish Challenge fishing tournament, call tournament director Jason Snyder at 349-1129 or email to bertsredfishchallenge @hotmail.com