Caloosa Catch & Release celebrating 20th year
The event that initiated public fishing tournaments in 1989 in Southwest Florida is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Caloosa Catch & Release Presented by Yamaha and Fort Myers Marine will be held June 4 – 7 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa on Fort Myers Beach.
With more than $30,000 in cash and prizes, entry fees have been reeled back as anglers of all ages and skill levels will be treated to a variety of special benefits in recognition of this historic milestone including three days of activities and two days of fishing for snook, redfish, trout and daily mystery fish.
Tournament check-in will open at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, with an open bar in the Hospitality Suite sponsored by the Edison where anglers will load up on exclusive, commemorative edition Caloosa gear. That evening, anglers will gather for the Captain’s Party and Rules meeting with dinner and drinks hosted by Pink Shell Beach Resort and Land Shark lager.
Friday morning, June 5, opens the competition for teams competing in either the guided or non-guided division. Everyone will receive lunches provided by the Artistic Deli and Culligan Water. There will be a special category for both ladies and youth (12 years or younger).
The weigh station will be open from 3 p.m. -5 p.m. and the public is invited to watch contestants bring in their scores and qualifying redfish for those participating in the “Hooters Catch the Big Ones Redfish Bonanza.” Also, during that time each day there will be music, Hooters girls, food and vendors making this a fun-filled time for everyone, officials said.
On Friday night, there will be an auction and dinner where anglers, guests and the public can mingle and bid on great items including a Yamaha F150 motor, fishing gear, jewelry, art, resort packages, golf excursions and plenty more.
Saturday, June 6, will have the same schedule of fishing with even more exciting plans for everyone at the weigh station.
That evening, the Awards Banquet will be held and cash trophies will be presented to the top three teams in both the Guided and Non Guided divisions, The Hooters Redfish Division and the Lady and Youth Divisions.
In addition, to the cash prizes in fun fish and mystery fish categories, there will also be trophies for the Rookie Team of the Year in the Guided and Non Guided Divisions, the Team of the Year and The prestigious Caloosa Sportsman of the Year Award.
In addition to sponsors named above, Signature Sponsors include: Budweiser, Boatmaster, ESPN Sports Radio 770, Quenzel & Associates, 96k rock, The Crowne Plaza, Oswald Trippe and Co. and Shoeless Joes.
New sponsors for 2009 include: Bass Pro Shops, Bahama Breeze Island Grille, Tim Collier Insurance Agency and the Lee County Sports Authority.
A complete list of sponsors can be found on the Web site.
For more information, visit www.caloosacatchandrelease.com or call Ron Riley at 239-671-9347 or Kristi Riley at 239-850-1707.