Dozens of anglers took to the waters of Southwest Florida recently to raise thousands of dollars in the 2nd Annual Red Grouper Bash as part of the Off-Duty Fishing Series. $20,000 raised in the event was donated to the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, which supports young student-athletes in Lee County.
Forty-five boats took part in the March 15-16 event at Moss Marina on Fort Myers Beach. The winner of the bash was Jess Mesmer, with a combined two-grouper weight of 35 pounds. Mesmer also won the Calcutta group paying out $25,500 for first place and a Calcutta reel.
The Off-Duty Fishing Series was founded by Ryan Joyce, Alec Dilallo and Michael Werner as a way to give back to the Fort Myers Beach community after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. Overall, $40,000 was raised at this year’s tournament.
“We’re sincerely appreciative of the support Ryan, Alec and Michael have given us the past couple of years,” said Foundation Co-Founder Tommy Bohanon. “Their generosity helps the Foundation make a positive impact on the lives of so many young people in the community.”
