Mariners gearing up for annual tournament, fish fry
On Saturday Oct. 4, the Matlacha Mariners are having its annual fishing tournament and fish fry, just for the fun of it. Past, present and future Mariners are welcome – good fun, good food, good cause.
The Matlacha Mariners is a 501c (3), non-profit men’s organization devoted to supporting the charities that help Pine Islanders in need. It also provides scholarships to college students who are residents of Pine Island and many other worthy causes.
To fund these causes, the Mariners host several fund-raisers throughout the year.
Coming up in just a couple months, on Saturday, Nov. 22, the Mariners are bringing music back to Pine Island with the annual “Mariner Music Festival.” This is a much anticipated event as the Mariners have been trying for several years to return to the island with the greatest music party of all. This will be a mixed genre’ live music event, with food, cold beverages, 50/50 raffles and more.
The Mariners will be providing free drink offers to all Pine Islanders who provide a valid ID – just to show its appreciation for islanders’ support.
On Feb. 21, the Mariners have scheduled the Southwest Florida Seafood Festival and Car Show. The show offers the opportunity to sample a variety of some of the best local seafood the area has to offer. Guests can stop by and see award-winning classic and custom cars, and enjoy live music, arts and crafts. The event will continue to be held at Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral until a suitable Pine Island venue can be arranged, organizers said.
In March, the Mariners will once again conduct the Mullet Tossing Championship for the 24th year in a row, which will be held at Matlacha Park, in the middle of downtown Matlacha.
The Mariners will also be assisting their sister organization, the Matlacha Hookers, in the upcoming Pine Island Fishing Tournament and Derby Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Olde’ Fish House Marina, at 4530 Pine Island Road, N.W., in Matlacha.
Members of the Mariners volunteer their time and energy throughout the year to make these events happen so many Pine Islanders can live better lives.
The Mariner Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry is a way to thank the members for their efforts on a day where no one has to work and they can all get together for some fun.
The event is made possible in part by the generosity of local businesses who contribute to the success of the event. The Mariners are grateful for their participation.
This tournament is open to all men whether they’re a member of the Mariners or not. The entry fee is $20 per person and includes the fish fry afterwards (beverages are extra) with prizes for everyone.
The rules are simple. Fishing starts Saturday morning, whenever, wherever. Meet at Bert’s Bar in Matlacha between 12:30 and 1 p.m. for lunch and awards. Weigh in is at Seven Seas Bait and Tackle (across the street from Bert’s). This is “a fish and fillet” event so bring all legal, edible fish.
Sign-up applications are at Bert’s, Bar, Traders Hitching Post and Seven Seas Bait and Tackle in Matlacha, or call Larry Scharnberger 239-313-0951.