Super Grouper Tournament A Benefit to All: Sanibel Doings

Every so often we like to highlight a good deed and this time it is the Annual Grouper Grab.



While we acknowledge that the Grouper is the loser in the tournament, we must also concede that the Grouper are going to be caught, cooked and consumed whether this event happens or not. A well managed event seems preferable in comparison.



So let's concentrate on the positives.



The Grouper is found in abundance in the waters surrounding Sanibel and all over the state. In fact, Florida is responsible for over 85% of all the grouper landed in the United States. Although there are many on-going studies and observations to make sure the Grouper are not over-fished, the populations of some Grouper species has actually increased in the last year.



Grouper is a popular dish in local restaurants; it has a nice mild flavor that many enjoy. If you’d like to catch your own, plan to attend the annual Grouper Grab Tournament on August 17 and 18, 2012! The Grouper Grab kicks off at the lovely Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant with a mandatory captain’s meeting at 6 PM on Friday, August 17^th, 2012. The tournament includes two divisions: the Big Boat Division for boats that are 30’ or longer, and the Small Boat Division for boats under 30’.



Providing fishing gear to the anglers this year is Tunaskin, makers of high performance aquatic apparel. Tunaskin is a new sponsor in this year’s Grouper Grab Tournament. In addition, Bahama Breeze Island Grille invites you to celebrate with them as part of your adventurous weekend.



The fishing will go all day Saturday, August 18^th from 6 AM to 6 PM. Boats must return to the marina by 6 p.m. According to the tournament rules, each boat may offer three grouper and two snapper for the weigh in, but additional fish can be donated to the Awards dinner. After a full day of fishing, the catch will be weighed, filleted, and grilled for the big Awards Dinner, while the judges tally the scores. The public is welcome to attend the Awards Dinner and celebrate the efforts of the day!



This year, the Grouper Grab will donate proceeds from the auction and raffle to a local charity, choosing Blessings in a Backpack for this year’s recipient. Blessings in a Backpack provides local children with a backpack full of nutritious food each Friday. Test scores among these children have improved thanks to the help from Blessings. The funds collected in the event will be used locally for Lee County. It does not take much to feed a child for a year, and all support is appreciated.