Water-Related News

15th Annual Calusa Blueway Fishing Tournament set for Dec. 8

MATLACHA ‒ The Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament returns to Matlacha. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Candlelighters of Southwest Florida, a charity that benefits childhood cancer research.

The tournament is a family fun event, featuring door prizes, raffles, food, live music, and silent auctions from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, organized by Gulf Coast Kayak and hosted by The Olde Fish House Marina, 4530 Pine Island Road, Matlacha.

Last year’s tournament attracted over 60 anglers from all over Florida.

New this year are the SUP division and a top Lady Angler Prize. Local sponsors have donated the Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500) and Bronze ($250) cash prizes this year. Body Glove will be giving away a Body Glove Mariner iSUP at the event. The SUP anglers are the only participants eligible to win the iSUP.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnerships to support charity events throughout Lee County,” said Mike Hammond, Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Calusa Blueway Coordinator. “This is a great event, which continues to grow in popularity year after year. Gulf Coast Kayak is dedicated to doing good things in their community and promoting the Great Calusa Blueway and we’re happy to be a part of it,”

All fishing will be catch, photo and release. Anglers must fish from paddlecraft on Lee County waterways. The tournament will begin at safe light. Weigh-ins will be from noon to 3 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Old Fish House Marina. Point Ybel Brewing Company will host the captains’ meeting and registration the night before the tournament. All anglers must be present. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and the captains’ meeting is at 7 p.m. The entry fee is $65 per angler.

Race details and registration can be found on EventBrite.com or by calling Mike Hammond at 239-707-7981.

For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation, locations, amenities, and special events, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov.com.