Bricks and Sticks
Early registration is almost up for the 7th Annual Bricks and Sticks Inshore Fishing Tournament.
Hosted by the Lee Building Industry Association, the tourney will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 3, at the Tarpon Point Marina. A tournament party will follow from 5 to 9 p.m.
A captain’s meeting for the participating teams is set for May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the marina.
“The tourney is a fun two-day event,” Valerie Whitaker, a spokeswoman for the Building Industry Association, said. “It’s a really laid back and relaxed tournament.”
Early registration is $180 per angler, with a maximum of four anglers to a team. The deadline to register early is Friday, April 18. After the deadline, registration will cost $250 per angler.
As of Tuesday, 35 teams had signed up to take part.
“We’re expecting at least 60 teams to register,” she said.
Last year, 53 teams participated in the tournament.
“Last year, the event raised about $30,000,” Whitaker said.
Anglers will fish for two snook, two redfish and two ladyfish, with a total length photo release. The first place team wins $5,000, while $3,000 goes to second place and third place receives $2,000.
“We make all the anglers take photos of their fish, and the weighmaster reviews all of the pictures to make sure there’s no funny business,” she said.
One member from each of the winning teams will also be subjected to a lie detector test.
“To make sure there’s no cheating or pre-caught fish,” Whitaker said.
During the event, there is also something for the youth.
“Kids 12 and under can compete in the junior angler category,” she said.
One winner will receive a trophy and a rod and reel courtesy of Cape Tool & Tackle.
“They’re catching the fish and whichever one is the longest,” Whitaker said.
Registration cost for junior anglers is $75 each.
At the captain’s meeting, dinner will be provided by Hooters and there will be an open bar.
“There’s raffle prizes and live music,” she added.
Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery is catering the tournament party the following day. The celebration will also feature an open bar, live music and a live auction.
Whitaker noted that the auction proceeds and tip money will go to Lee BIA Builders Care.
“They are our nonprofit arm that does emergency construction services for the elderly and disabled residents of Lee County,” she said.
A large portion of the entry fees and sponsorships go toward putting on the tourney.
“The rest of it does come back to the BIA,” Whitaker said.
As of Tuesday, sponsorships for the event are still being accepted.Sponsorship opportunities range from $500, up to $3,000.
“They offer a variety of benefit,” she said.
For more information, to register a team or inquire about a sponsorship, contact the Lee Building Industry Association at 239-936-5525, email info@bia.net or visit: wwww.BIA.net/fish-ing.htmlere .
Tarpon Point Marina is at 6095 Silver King Blvd.