On the hook
The Matlacha Hookers will be hosting their 17th Annual Fishing Tournament & Derby Sunday, Oct. 11, to benefit Pine Island Elementary School, at the Olde Fish House and Marina & Restaurant in Matlacha. The day-long event kicks off at 8 a.m.
The first Matlacha Hooker fishing tournaments were started 18 years ago with Bernard Johnson at Pine Bay Marina, now Pine Bay Gallery.
“This year’s tournament will be dedicated to, and in memory of, John Skorupski,” Hooker Arlene Stornello said. “John and his wife Ginny owned the Olde Fish House Marina until 2012 and welcomed the Matlacha Hookers to hold their tournaments there from our early days until 2011 they sold the business. Since 2012 the new owners, Lisa and Darrell Dence, have graciously continued the tradition that John and Ginny began 18 years ago.”
The fishing tournament for adult anglers includes cash prizes and fish fry while the Derby for kids K-5th grade includes trophies and lunch plus other fun activities.
“Last year was one of our best years ever,” Hookers’ DJ Rucsik said. “We had the 50/50 all day, the anglers came in by 2 p.m. and we had more than $20,000 in items donated for our Silent Auction. There was well over 100 baskets for our Chinese auction, and we’re always looking to do a little better than last year.”
As of last year (2014), the Matlacha Hookers have donated more than $192,000 to Pine Island Elementary.
“In the past our local businesses have donated gift cards or certificates, baskets filled with their business items, art work,” Stornello said. “Many sponsors have donated cash to help cover the costs of the tents, rods and reels for the kids, site permits, supplies, etc.
“Our sponsors are recognized the day of our tournament and also during the weeks before the event in our local newspapers.”
The Olde Fish House Marina is at 4530 Pine Island Road in Matlacha. For more about the restaurant, call 239-282- 9577 or visit www.oldfishhousemarina.com.