Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach will host the FGCU Spearfishing Pelagic Rodeo March 18-20. The freediving-only spearfishing tournament is open to the public and will offer raffles and prizes, featuring spearfishing gear, merchandise and gift certificates. Registration is $200 per team, with no more than five divers to a team. Offering 100 percent payout, cash prizes will be awarded to the biggest fish for each category as well as the top three overall winning teams. Funds raised from the raffle and any donations will benefit the FGCU Spearfishing sports club to support future club functions.
In an effort to promote safe and responsible freediving, the tournament will offer local spearfishermen the opportunity to test their skills while enjoying the sport of spearfishing. The tournament will begin Friday, March 18 at 7 p.m. with a captains’ meet at Bass Pro Shops. Shooting Day will take place Saturday, March 19 from dawn to dusk, and divers will compete within the Gulf waters stretching between Marco Island and Venice. Tournament categories including amberjack, cobia, permit, African pompano, barracuda, king fish and snapper. The tournament will conclude Sunday, March 20 with a weigh-in ceremony at Matanzas on the Bay at 1 p.m.
For more information, or to register for the tournament, visit www.fgcuspearfishingtournament.bigcartel.com, or contact Cade Stokes by emailing cadestokes14@hotmail.com or calling 863-634-8226. Registration ends March 14.
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.