Sponsors sought for Pine Island Elementary Fishing Derby
The 13th annual Pine Island Elementary Fishing Derby is seeking sponsors for children who otherwise would not be able to participate. The event will be held at the Olde Fish House Marina on Oct. 23. Cost for non-PIE students to participate in the children’s derby is $35; PIE students, $30.
The major fund-raiser for host Matlacha Hookers, the tournament helps purchase books and technology equipment for the Pine Island Elementary School. Plus, it encourages kids in three age divisions to wet a line. The date was not chosen at random. Two local fishing captains have assured the Hookers that the tides on that day will be perfect for catching fish.
“Some of the little kids have never fished before,’ said Arlene Stornello, Madam President of the Matlacha Hookers. “To see the smiles on their faces and the excitement in their eyes when they catch a fish just warms your heart.”
In addition to the derby, registered children are invited to participate in games, face-painting, and T-shirt-painting. Grades K-1 (Shrimp) fish from 8 to 10 a.m.; grades 2-3 (Pinfish) 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; and grades 4-5 (Sharks) 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
J.D. Hollway of the Waterfront Restaurant donates lunches for the children who fish and will also have lunches for adults for sale during the day.
Kids also get a chance to win a bicycle. Bicycles were donated by attorney Mel Brinson, A-1 Marine, attorney Bert Tidwell and Boyd Irrigation.
Fishing tournaments have been occurring frequently of late, but this is one of the first, Stornello said. Some of the children who participated in the early years of the tournament are now in college.
Tournament registration fee for adult anglers is $50, which includes a free T-shirt and a fish fry. Fish is not the only thing served. Members of the Hookers bring a banquet of side dishes. Those who don’t fish may purchase the fish fry for just $5.
Adult fishing starts at 7 a.m.; weigh-in is at 3 p.m. The day’s activities also include a raffle, a Chinese and silent auction, and live music by Kip & Friends, Rick & Danette from Stringtown, and The Yard Dogs.
Registration is Oct. 22 from noon to 6 p.m. in the tent across the street from Olde Fish House Marina. Adult participants can also pre-register at partner businesses: Miceli’s Restaurant and Seven Seas Bait & Tackle in Matlacha, Four Winds Marina in Bokeelia, and Monroe Canal Marina and Old Pine Island Marine & Tackle in St. James City.
Prizes for kids will be awarded at 2:30 p.m. One of the most coveted is the trophy for the child who catches the fish that most closely resembles PIE Principal Mazzoli.
Adult awards will be given out at approximately 4 p.m. Prizes of $500 are awarded for heaviest legal mangrove snapper, redfish, and trout; $1,000 for heaviest legal slam.
Stornello is particularly grateful to John Skorpuski, owner of the Olde Fish House, for allowing the Hookers to stage the tournament and take over his premises for the day.
For kids’ sponsorship and adult registration forms or more information about the fishing event, visit www.matlachahookers.org or call 239-282-1442 or 239-283-3706