17th Annual Calusa Blueway Fishing Tournament set for Nov. 14

MATLACHA ? The Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament returns to Matlacha and proceeds will benefit the Candlelighters of Southwest Florida, a charity that supports children with blood disorders and their families.

The tournament is set for Saturday, Nov. 14 and organized by Gulf Coast Kayak. The cost is $45 per angler or $180 for a team of four. The cost of entry includes registration and tournament shirt. There will be a mandatory virtual captains meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.

Prizes will include a Vanhunks Mahi Mahi kayak, a Body Glove Porter inflatable kayak, Body Glove Performer inflatable iSUP, and other prizes.

“I’m really happy Gulf Coast Kayak has such a strong commitment to this event and organized it in a way that anglers do not have to gather,” said Mike Hammond, Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Calusa Blueway Coordinator. “Some anglers will probably like the modifications and new teams division. With a virtual weigh in, they can actually stay on the water longer and fish anywhere in Lee County without the worry of driving to the weigh in. They just need a good cell phone signal.”

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 virtual from noon to 3 p.m. Anglers will email their photos to judges in lieu of an onsite weigh in. Weigh in updates will be posted on Gulf Coast Kayak’s Facebook Live page.

Race details and registration can be found by searching for “Calusa Blueway kayak fishing” at www.eventbrite.com, or call 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.