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Bricks & Sticks back for a second year

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PHOTO PROVIDED Team Better Buildings Inc. took first place at last year's Annual Bricks & Sticks Fishing Tournament.
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PHOTO PROVIDED Second place in last year's Annual Bricks & Sticks Fishing Tournament went to Team Dooley Charters.
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PHOTO PROVIDED Team HONC Industries took third place at last year's Annual Bricks & Sticks Fishing Tournament.

The Lee Building Industry Association’s annual inshore benefit event is returning to the island.

After being held for years at the Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, the 12th Annual Bricks & Sticks Fishing Tournament will take place at the South Seas Island Resort for a second consecutive year.

Special Events Director Emily Bumsted said relocating to the island in 2018 was a big success.

“Everybody loved it,” she said.

This year’s tourney will run from June 6-8 and registrations are being accepted. The entry fee is $225 per angler, or $275 per angler after May 6. It is preferred that there are no more than five to a boat.

The teams will target two each of snook, redfish and ladyfish, with trophies and cash prizes in the amounts of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 awarded to the top three to reel in the most total inches.

As of April 25, about 50 boats had signed up for the event.

“We don’t necessarily have a limit,” Bumsted said. “There’s definitely still room.”

“They don’t have to be a BIA member to participate,” she added.

The tournament kicks off with a captain’s dinner on June 6 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, at 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers. At least one member of the team must be in attendance. Donated by Hooters, the dinner is free for the participants or $25 for non-anglers.

“That’s open to everybody,” Bumsted said.

The teams will receive buckets full of goodies, like event T-shirts and hats.

“We’ll go over the rules and regulations of the tournament,” she said.

A raffle will also be held. Last year, there were grills, coolers and such from Bass Pro Shops.

“There’s a lot of good stuff,” Bumsted said.

On June 7, a welcome cocktail party will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the resort. Hosted by Better Buildings, it is open to everyone, with drinks and a signature cocktail included in the angler fee.

There will also be drinks available for purchase for non-participants.

“Last year we didn’t have this so this is new,” she said, noting that the tourney does not involve a shotgun start. “We felt the need to have everybody in one spot before the fishing tournament. This is kind of an opportunity for everybody to get together and kind of hang out. We’ll see how it goes.”

As for the event, lines are in the water on June 8 at 7 a.m.

“Lines in is pretty much anywhere,” Bumsted said. “If they’re not staying out at South Seas, they don’t have to go out to South Seas to fish.”

However, anglers do have to be at the resort for “weigh in” by 4 p.m.

“We don’t keep any fish,” she noted.

The awards ceremony will kick off at about 5 p.m. and feature food, drinks and music.

“That’s another party for everybody to get back together and kind of celebrate the tournament,” Bumsted said, noting that event tickets for non-anglers are $50 per person and $25 per child.

“There will be no tickets sold at the door, so those need to be purchased ahead of time,” she added.

The evening will also feature a live auction, plus other give-to-give opportunities.

“We raise money for our charitable arm, Builders Care,” Bumsted said.

Builders Care provides emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means.

Last year, approximately $20,000 was raised.

“This year we’re hoping to raise just as much, if not more,” she said.

For the auction, some of the items up for grabs include a trip to Costa Rica, three-day two-night stay at South Seas, custom-made Boatmaster trailer and an all-inclusive Quail Creek Plantation weekend.

“There’s a hog hunt by Wayne Wiles Floor Covering,” Bumsted said.

The community is invited to sign up or get tickets.

“I think what it really great is anyone can participate,” she said, noting that the tournament features prizes so it is a little competitive but not overly competitive. “Everybody’s there to have a good time.”

“It’s just one of those tournaments that’s an all-around great weekend,” Bumsted added.

To register for the tourney or purchase tickets, visit www.bia.net and click on “Events.” Fill out the packet and email to Bumsted at Emily@BIA.net or Christine Callari at ChristineC@MyFCI.net.

For more information about the event, visit the website or call 239-936-5525.

Those interested in donating raffle or auction items can contact Bumsted.

Sponsorships are also still available at three levels – $1,000, $2,000 and $3,500. For additional information about sponsorships, contact Donna Sodaker at Dsodaker@WayneWiles.com.

South Seas Island Resort is at 5400 Plantation Road.