Bricks & Sticks Fishing Tournament coming to the Cape; $5,000 first place
One of Southwest Florida’s largest inshore fishing tournaments returns to Cape Coral this summer for its 16th outing.
The annual Bricks & Sticks Fishing Tournament, put on by Lee Building Association, hits the water June 3 at The Westin Cape Coral with lines in at 7 a.m.
The festivities start June 1 with a Captains Dinner at The Ranch in Fort Myers at 6 p.m., and welcome party on June 2 at The Westin Cape Coral from 6 to 8 p.m.
Most recently, the tournament has been held at South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, but due to Hurricane Ian damage, the event has come back to the Cape, where it has been held in years past.
Anglers interested in participating to get a piece of the $10,000 in winnings can take advantage of “early bird” pricing until April 30. Entry is $275 per angler under early bird pricing, and goes up to $325 on May 1.
“It’s one of the largest inshore tournaments in the area,” said Lee BIA Executive Vice President Phillip Ford. “There’s some good money to be had, so if you’re a good fisherman, come on out and have a go at it. Based on my conversations with fisherman, it’s one of the better-paying tournaments out here in the area.”
Winners will be chosen combining the total length of their two best snook, redfish, and ladyfish. All fish must be caught on hook, line, rod and reel. The first-place prize is $5,000, second $3,000, and third $2,000. An awards party will be held starting at 6 p.m. following the conclusion of the tournament.
The tournament also serves as a fundraiser for BIA’s charity, Builder’s Care via silent auction at the awards dinner. Ford said since the tournament’s inception hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to support the non-profit. Last year, Ford said the tournament raised $35,000, which is the most to date. The mission of Lee BIA Builders Care is to provide emergency home repairs at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means.
“We raise thousands of dollars for Builder’s Care to be put back into the community to help citizens that are financially in need,” Ford said. “Saturday night we have dinner and drinks and all that, but the big part of it is the live auction we hold for Builder’s Care.”
All teams must be registered for the tournament by May 31. Weekend tickets are also available for non-anglers that want to join in on the fun. Weekend tickets are $225 and per person ($75 ages 5-12) and include entrance into the Captain’s Dinner, welcome party, and awards dinner.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available by calling 239-936-5525 or sending an email to Jenn@BIA.net.
For more information, restoration, weekend tickets, sponsorship forms, and more, visit www.BIA.net and find the tournament under the events tab.
The Westin Cape Coral is at 5951 Silver King Blvd.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com