RedSnook tournament raises nearly $186,000 for clean water protection
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Fishing Tournament united the region’s fishing community in support of clean and healthy waterways, raising nearly $186,000. Held Oct. 24-26 with anglers launching from Naples, Goodland, and Chokoloskee, the tournament drew 59 teams and 118 anglers, an increase from 2024, highlighting continued growth and enthusiasm for the cause.
Proceeds from the event include an online auction and raffle that brought in more than $17,600. Funds raised through RedSnook help make a measurable difference each year in water quality research and education in Southwest Florida. In 2024, support from the tournament enabled the Conservancy to educate nearly 2,000 students on local water habitats, monitor thousands of mangrove trees critical for coastal resilience, and defend key clean-water protections under the federal Clean Water Act.
“Our waterways are the lifeblood of Southwest Florida’s economy and environment,” said Rob Moher, Conservancy president and CEO. “By supporting RedSnook, you’re investing in clean water for the future by fueling the Conservancy’s science, policy, and on-the-ground work that keeps our region’s waterways healthy.”
Tournament weekend began with a Friday evening Kick-Off Celebration at the Conservancy, followed by two days of competitive fishing and concluded with the Chris Campbell Awards Reception hosted by Northern Trust.
This year highlights and winning anglers:
• Introduction of the Youth Champion Award, celebrating rising young stewards of Southwest Florida’s environments: Louie Cappella, 1370 points
• Guided Bait: Jackie Bickel, Paul Bickel, Guide: Ben Geroy
• Unguided Bait: Casey Marinelli, Phillip Cates
• Guided Artificial: Charlie Mueller, Mokey Shea, Guide: Robert Walczak
• Unguided Artificial: Kyle Coar, Pat Butler
• Fly Division: Oliver Rogers, Harrison Rogers
• Corporate Champion: RGM Capital, 4045 points
• Trash Can Slam: Paul Dunbar
• Largest Redfish: Clint Sherwood, 31″
• Largest Snook: Brian Carlos, 35″
• Chris Campbell Champion Angler: Pat Butler, 2240 points
Final division winners and photos available here. Thank you to our sponsors including Lars-The Family of Chris Campbell, Kukk Architecture & Design, P.A., Tompkins Family, RGM Capital, Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation, Oliver Rogers Photography, and many more listed here.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
Headquartered in Naples, the Conservancy is home to Collier County’s only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. Currently open to visitors, the Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering–the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s quality of life.
Learn more and support Southwest Florida’s environmental future at conservancy.org.