The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Fishing Tournament hauled in a record catch for the fundraiser – netting more than $220,000 to benefit the Conservancy’s Fight for Clean Water.
This is in addition to a dedicated fundraiser for Hurricane Ian relief held at the kickoff party in October, which raised more than $45,000 in less than 10 minutes and received a match of $25,000 from the Collier Community Foundation. In total, local anglers, guides and their friends and family raised more than $70,000. The funds were provided to the YMCA of Marco Island to support to residents and businesses on Isles of Capri as they recover from Hurricane Ian.
Due to impacts from Hurricane Ian, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida postponed the annual RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Fishing Tournament to Dec. 3 and. 4. An online auction to support water quality projects included trips, fishing excursions, family activities, restaurants, tickets to attractions and more.
A special featured raffle earned anglers a chance to win one of three prizes, including a seven-day northern Canada fishing trip for two to Maria Lake Mini Lodge, a two-night stay with fishing trips and restaurant gift certificates at Hyatt House in Naples, or an Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing combo with rod and reel and textured fly line.
The annual catch and release fishing event is in its 15th year raising funds for the Conservancy’s Fight for Clean Water, working to protect our most valuable natural resource, our water. In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Conservancy’s mission is as relevant as ever.
“This tournament has taken on increased importance following Hurricane Ian, which has wreaked havoc on our natural resources and water quality and will have significant impacts for some time to come,” said Moher. “The storm’s winds and excessive rain-washed organic matter and contaminants into streams and bays. Mangroves that were still recovering from damage from Hurricane Irma, which are essential to the health of our waterways, also took a significant hit from the storm.” The two-day event, fishing for the area’s most popular game fish: snook and redfish included launch sites in Naples, Goodland and Chokoloskee and divisions include unguided and guided bait, fly, and unguided and guided artificial. The tournament’s Awards Ceremony wrapped up the excursion, celebrating catches and community, sponsored by Northern Trust.
