Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach is hosting the 12th annual Fillet and Release Fishing Tournament on Sept. 24 to benefit Hope Hospice. This year’s event anticipates that a total of 320 anglers will join the light tackle, inshore fishing tournament. The 2015 event raised more than $24,000 to benefit Hope Hospice, with a total of 106 boats participating in the competition.
The tournament will kick off with a Captain’s Meeting on Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Bahama Breeze in Fort Myers. On Sept. 24, anglers will hit the waters and fishing will begin with shotgun start at 7 a.m. B oats will return by 3 p.m., and the weigh-in ceremony will take place at Matanzas on the Bay. Participants can enjoy dinner, where the winners will be announced during an awards ceremony. During the event, anglers and guests can also enter a raffle drawing for a chance to win a variety of prizes, with proceeds supporting Hope Hospice.
The entry fee for the 12th annual Fillet and Release Fishing Tournament is $350 per team with a maximum of four anglers per boat. Winners are determined by total weight of fish caught. Eligible species include redfish and snook, and all fish will be released. For more information, visit www.filletandrelease4hospice.com.
Matanzas on the Bay and Petey’s Upper Deck are best known for waterfront views, fresh seafood and old Florida ambience and is located at 416 Crescent St. on Fort Myers Beach on Estero Bay. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, as well as caters to special occasions and private parties. As part of its commitment to use as many locally sourced products as possible, Matanzas on the Bay offers fresh produce in partnership with Oakes Farm, rum from the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery and draft beer from Fort Myers Brewery. Its upstairs sports bar, Petey’s Upper Deck, is popularly known for its Dave’s Dockside Pizza, named the best pizza on Fort Myers Beach. The restaurant is located adjacent to the Matanzas Bayside Inn waterfront accommodations, just steps away from the Fort Myers Beach entertainment district. Free car parking and boat dockage is available. To book your party or for more information, call 239-463-3838 or visit www.MatanzasontheBay.com.
