Hookers fishing tourney raises funds for Pine Island Elementary
The Matlacha Hookers annual fishing tournament to benefit Pine Island Elementary School began early Sunday morning under sunny skies at Olde Fish House Marina.
The day started with the Honor Guard presenting the colors, the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance and the “National Anthem” sung by Trailer Park Barbie.
“Early this morning we kicked off our 18th annual fishing tournament and derby,” Matlacha Hooker Madam Lorie Tidwell said. “This goes towards helping Pine Island Elementary School students in a variety of ways. Most likely we will have a couple hundred kids come to fish today. The weather couldn’t be better and we expect a really great turnout.”
The auctions showed an increase in value this year.
“We’ll have our silent auction that includes 50 baskets worth over $100 each and a Grand Slam Basket that’s worth over $3,000,” Tidwell said. “We also have a Chinese auction with 100 baskets worth $100 and under. And for the kids we have a kids activity area with face painting and hat making.”
The silent auction started off well. Vicky Glosser purchased a hand-made quilt for $150. The quilt depicted various tropical scenes: pelicans, seahorses, beach umbrellas and fish. The quilt was made by Jan Self.
“This is such a beautiful quilt, I don’t know whether to put in on a bed or hang it on a wall,” Glosser said. “I don’t want anything to happen to it.”
Fishing began early with the adult anglers starting at 7 a.m. and the 4th and 5th graders fishing from 8 a.m. til 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 11:30-1:00 p.m.
Every child fishing the derby received a fishing pole to keep, a tournament T-shirt, special goody bag, lunch and drinks and a day of making memories to last a lifetime.
Seven-year-old Addison Denty caught her first fish.
“We were on the dock for maybe 15 minutes,” her grandfather said. “She didn’t get a bite and was getting a little tired of it then the fish hit and took a lot of line. She was very excited and now she’s wanting to get back there. I’m very excited for her.”
Brandy and Davon Diehl were asked to be “Derby Deputies” this year.
“It seems everyone knows who Davon is from the Eagle article,” Brandy Diehl said. “Everyone was so kind when Davon’s fishing gear was stolen. When the Hookers called and asked us to be deputies, we were so honored. This also gives us a chance to give back to the community.” “Make sure you try the fish from the fish fry,” Davon said. “It’s the best ever.”
“This is just a wonderful day with a great turnout,” PIE Principal Steven Hook said. “It looks like everyone is having fun fishing and this goes a long way to help the students at Pine Island Elementary with field trips and other special events. We’re all very grateful for all the hard work the Matlacha Hookers put into this wonderful event.”
The Olde Fish House Marina is at 4530 Pine Island Road, N.W., Matlacha. For more about the marina, call 239-282-9755.
For more about the Matlacha Hookers, visit www.matlachahookers.org