Matlacha Hookers’ fishing tournament lures anglers
The Matlacha Hookers annual fishing tournament to benefit Pine Island Elementary School began early Sunday morning under sunny skies at Olde Fish House Marina.
“Many of us were here very early this morning,” co-chair Sandy Kerr said. “This day couldn’t be more perfect, the weather’s spectacular, we have a nice breeze and the turnout is great. The day started with the honor guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem by Trailer Park Barbie.”
Fishing began early with the adult anglers starting at 7 a.m., and the 4th and 5th graders fishing from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Then the 2nd and 3rd graders fished from 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. and the Kindergarten and 1st graders fished from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Just after lunch, the adult anglers began returning to the docks. The Olde Fish House Marina team arrived at 12:45 p.m., with what turned out to be the winning combination. The largest redfish at 7.20 pounds, the largest snook at 10.36 pounds and winning the “Slam” with 18.69 pounds.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly team came in with the second largest redfish at 6.86 pounds.
“This was a good day,” team member Rick Hanson said. “And it’s always for a good cause when it comes to the Matlacha Hookers.”
Cash prizes for adult anglers:
Olde Fish House Marina Team – heaviest legal redfish, $500
No Walls Team – heaviest legal trout, $500
Olde Fish House Marina – Heaviest legal snook, $500
Olde Fish House Marina – Heaviest legal slam, $500.
Music started at 11 a.m. with Not Guilty and continued throughout the day. Brother Love Too/Insider, Matlacha All Star Jam, The Good Bad Kids and East of Texas donated their talents to make this a great day.
The day finished up with a fish fry and a presentation of the winners for heaviest fish. Total cash prizes amounted to $2,500.
The major sponsors donating $400 and up were Total Payroll Management Company, American Legion Post #136, School Management Inc., First Star HR, Cambio Dermatology, Chuck’s Auto Repair, Illinois Tool Works with Earl Genz, and Elmquist Eye Group plus Mel Brinson and Butler Air Solutions, LLC.
“We also want to thank Wounded Warrior Anglers for donating 100 fishing rods,” Kerr said. “Shallow Bait for donating 3,000 shrimp; all of our businesses for donating items for our fish fry; adult beverage tent; silent and chinese auctions and another thank you to The Island Grill for opening their restaurant for our many pre-tournament meetings and of course Olde Fish House and Marina for their support every year. Without the continued support of our community the Matlacha Hookers could not succeed.”