Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach recently hosted the FGCU Spearfishing Pelagic Rodeo to benefit the FGCU Spearfishing sports club. The freediving-only spearfishing tournament featured raffles and prizes, which raised more than $800 to benefit future FGCU Spearfishing events and tournaments.
The tournament aimed to promote safe and responsible freediving, while offering local spearfishermen the opportunity to test their skills and enjoy the sport of spearfishing. Divers competed within the Gulf waters stretching between Marco Island and Venice, and the tournament concluded with a weigh-in ceremony at Matanzas on the Bay.
Offering 100 percent payout, cash prizes were awarded to the biggest fish for each category as well as the top three overall winning teams. Overall winners included Ft. Myers Freedivers in first place, Saltwater Syndicate in second place and Red Tide Spearfishing in third place.
Category winners included:
Amberjack, 104.85 pounds
Team: Ft. Myers Freedivers
Africa Pompano, 9.4 pounds
Team: Stella
Barracuda, 31.85 pounds
Team: Redtide Spearfishing
Cobia, 48.30 pounds
Team: Shootin Seamen/Neritic
Snapper, 32.55 pounds
Team: Ft. Myers Freedivers
Permit, 31.90 pounds
Team: Stella
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.
