Anglers raise $37,000 for warriors
The Wounded Warrior Anglers organization stands to receive almost $37,000 raised through the second annual Redfish Poker Fishing Championship help on May 24 at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha.
The Redfish Poker Fishing Championship was held in honor of a wounded veteran who has passed during the previous year. This year’s event honored Sgt. John R. Pestel, a local disabled veteran who lived in Bokeelia on Pine Island and served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. John passed away in February.
“We were honored to be a sponsor for this event, and do our part to help such a worthwhile cause,” said TowBoatUS Cape Coral owner, Richard Paul. “The event had a great turnout, and was a fun day for everyone involved.”
About $12,000 was raised by the tournament and a boat raffle produced about $25,000.
For more information visit WoundedWarrior-Anglers.org
Tournament participants consisted of 11 kayakers and 23 boat teams. The largest catch was a 7.52-pound redfish.
Cash prizes winners:
(Boat division team) JBA Construction, Newton Supply, Dirt Necks.
(Kayak division team) Jeff Gabrick, Steve Miller.
Heaviest redfish: Donald Archambault
Redfish, most spots: Caleb Smith
Veteran, heaviest redfish: Donald Archambault
Veteran, redfish most spots: Charles Burger
16-Under, heaviest redfish: Jimmy Conant
16-Under, redfish most spots: Jimmy Conant