REDSNOOK TOURNAMENT
RAISES $87,000 NET

The 25th annual RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament has raised $87,000 net to benefit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s commitment to water quality protection and the preservation and enhancement of local fisheries.

More than 230 anglers, guides and supporters attended the tournament’s Friday Night Kickoff Party on Nov. 2 at the Conservancy Nature Center, which featured local craft beer from Naples Beach Brewery, wine, a food truck party, live auction and prize drawings. The fishing competition on Nov. 3 and 4 attracted 46 teams to Southwest Florida’s waters, launching from Naples, Goodland and Chokoloskee, before concluding the three-day fundraising event with a celebratory awards ceremony at Northern Trust in Naples.

“As toxic algae and red tide plagued Southwest Florida in recent months, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and continue to support clean water efforts,” said Rob Moher, Conservancy of Southwest Florida president and CEO. “Our annual RedSnook tournament plays a great role in supporting clean waterways in Southwest Florida, and we are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of the community coming together to protect this critical natural resource.”

Funds raised through this event advance essential water quality programs and initiatives that support the local ecosystem and economy. Throughout the years, tournament proceeds help the Conservancy:

• Continue its 35-year Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection program, which has given more than 285,000 hatchlings a chance at survival;
• Advocate to restore natural water flows and minimize pollution;
• Work with local leaders and decision-makers to understand the importance of clean water and its impact on Southwest Florida’s overall economy and quality of life;
• Evaluate the health of more than 17,000 area mangroves each year;
• Support the production and distribution of the Estuaries Report Card to evaluate the condition of local waterways;
• Protect environmental landmarks such as Ten Thousand Islands, Big Cypress, Estero Bay, the Cocohatchee Slough and the Caloosahatchee River.

“We thank our anglers, guides and guests, as well as our 2018 co-chairs, sponsors and volunteers, for their efforts to help keep local waters clean and fish abundant for future generations," said Moher.

Henley Shotwell of Surf & Turf Custom and Mokey Shea of Northern Trust served as co-chairs of the 2018 RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament. The event was presented by The Beacon Group at Morgan Stanley. Supporting sponsors included RGM Capital, Jay Tompkins Family, Costa, Clifton Larson Allen, Naples Beach Brewery, Florida Weekly, Longhorn Steakhouse, Northern Trust, Century Link, Gallagher Lutgert Insurance and The Lutgert Companies, Collins Vision, Sticky Holsters, Bond, Schoeneck & King, Harrison Designs and Newbury North Associates. Florida Weekly was the event media sponsor.

Scroll down to see pictures from the Friday Night Kickoff Party and to see pictures of the division winners at the Sunday Night Awards Banquet.

First Place Winners Included:

• First Place Guided Bait Division: 3,830 points
  Mark Pressley and Clint Sherwood
  Guide: Matt Maloney

• First Place Unguided Bait Division: 3,395 points
  Troy Pruitt and Brian Carlos

• First Place Guided Artificial Division: 3,760 points
  Wayne Meland and Jon Kukk
  Guide: Andrew Bostick

• First Place Unguided Artificial Division: 3,380 points
  Jeff Ball and Derek Pruitt

• First Place Fly Division: 2,455 points
  Nick Camusi and PJ Heller
  Guide: Kyle Giampaoli

In addition, awards were given in the following categories:

• Winning Corporate Team: 3,760 points
  The Beacon Group at Morgan Stanley: Wayne Meland and Jon Kukk
  Guide: Andrew Bostick

• Largest Snook, 38 inches
  PJ Heller

• Largest Red, 41 inches
  Bill Sullivan

• Top Female Angler: 2,055 points
  Stephanie Parsons

2018 Friday Night Kickoff Party

Pictures from the 2018 RedSnook Awards Banquet

2018 RedSnook Sponsors