Annual Mullet Tossing Championship Saturday
The Matlacha Mariners will host the annual Mullet Tossing Championship at Matlacha Park, 4577 Pine Island Road, just west of the bridge, Saturday, March 22. The festivities start at 10:30 a.m. with the children’s competition and continue all day with age classes increasing to adult men’s and women’s classes and finishing with seniors around 4:30 p.m.
Preregistration for children starts at 10 a.m.
This is an event the locals wait for all year and visitors are treated to one of the most unusual experiences in Southwest Florida, or anywhere for that matter. You never know what is going to happen. The activities go from hilarious to serious as cash prizes and bragging rights are at stake.
The contestants, in each age class, throw a dead mullet as far as they can in an open course. The winner takes home a prize and does a good thing for the community. All proceeds from the event go to the charities of Pine Island.
The fish used in the contest were originally caught to be used as bait in crab traps. When the contest is over the same fish go to the intended traps.
Admission and parking are free. There will be plenty of grilled food and seafood, as well as beverages served all day. Please no coolers or dogs allowed.
Bring you camera as you are not going to want to miss a shot of a flying fish or the various technique used by the contestants.
For more information visit www.matlachamariners.org. Vendors can call Rick Williams at 239-898-5004 or Frank Harrison 239-777-9399.