Did you know that Florida is responsible for over 85% of all the grouper landed in the United States? Grouper is a popular dish in local restaurants; it has a nice mild flavor that you’ll enjoy. If you’d like to catch your own, plan to attend the annual Grouper Grab Tournament on August 17 and 18, 2012! This year’s Grouper Grab promises to be bigger and better than ever.
This year the Grouper Grab organization asked Royal Shell Port Sanibel Marina to be the presenting level sponsor of the event! We’re happy to participate as we’re very proud of our facilities and our great location, just ten minutes from the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) and the Gulf of Mexico. As sponsors, Port Sanibel Marina is offering dock slips free of charge to all anglers. Because we want you to enjoy your time over here, we will be well stocked with any last minute fishing gear you may need, so visit our store to see everything we have to offer!
Providing fishing gear to the anglers this year is Tunaskin, makers of high performance aquatic apparel. Tunaskin is a new sponsor in this year’s Grouper Grab Tournament. In addition, Bahama Breeze Island Grille invites you to celebrate with them as part of your adventurous weekend. Hampton Inn and Suites on Summerlin Square Dr., located just minutes from the marina, will also be offering discounted rooms to all the tournament participants.
The Grouper Grab kicks off at the lovely Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant with a mandatory captain’s meeting at 6 PM on Friday, August 17th, 2012. The tournament includes two divisions: the Big Boat Division for boats that are 30’ or longer, and the Small Boat Division for boats under 30’.
The fishing will go all day Saturday, August 18th from 6 AM to 6 PM. Boats must return to the marina by 6 p.m. According to the tournament rules, each boat may offer three grouper and two snapper for the weigh in, but additional fish can be donated to the Awards dinner. After a full day of fishing, the catch will be weighed, filleted, and grilled for the big Awards Dinner, while the judges tally the scores. The public is welcome to attend the Awards Dinner and celebrate the efforts of the day!
The Grouper Grab will donate proceeds from the auction and raffle to a local charity, choosing Blessings in a Backpack for this year’s recipient. Blessings in a Backpack provides local children with a backpack full of nutritious food each Friday. Test scores among these children have improved thanks to the help from Blessings. The funds collected in the event will be used locally for Lee County. It does not take much to feed a child for a year, and all of your support is appreciated.
The Grouper Grab is one of the most anticipated fishing events in the area. It offers an opportunity for fishing lovers from all over to enjoy a day on the water, explore Port Sanibel and contribute to a local charity. For all the other water lovers, Royal Shell Port Sanibel Marina offers everything you need for a day of fun in the sun , featuring canoes, kayaks, and wave runner rentals. We look forward to meeting all of you during the event, and hearing the stories from out on the water.
-Port Sanibel Marina
(Photo taken by amanderson on flickr.)
