10th annual Grouper Grab comes to Fort Myers Beach
The 10th annual Grouper Grab will take place Aug. 14 -16 at Fish Tale Marina and the Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach. Many anglers will boat 10 to 90 miles offshore to catch the big one, according to Tournament Director Ron Riley.
The Grab has a long history of being one of the top grouper tournaments in the state of Florida and brings in professional guides and teams from all over the country to compete in the highest level of offshore fishing. In addition to the top pay outs, there are also prizes for the top lady angler, junior angler and largest grouper, snapper and blackfin tuna.
“This tournament is very unique,” said Riley. “There’s nothing like it in Southwest Florida. We just took over running this tournament this year. I’ve never really talked to more people that had such a favorable comment to make about an event. Unlike backwater fishing, there’s just no competition to it. People who have the big boats and love the offshore stuff, this is their perfect venue.”
Registration for the event opens at 6 p.m. while the Captain’s Meeting begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Pinchers Crab Shack at the Holiday Inn. Each angler will get a bag with official tournament gear.
The live weigh-in is held Saturday, Aug. 15. Teams of anglers can depart as early as 5 a.m. and will start bringing in their fish at 4:30 p.m. There is expected to be music, food and drinks.
Over $20,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Prizes range from $5,000 for first place; $2,000 for second; $1,000 for third; $750 for fourth; and $250 for fifth place.
The awards banquet -including prizes and a fish fry- will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday August 16 at Pinchers.
“The public is invited to come and watch the weigh in,” said Riley. “The public is also invited to come to the brunch
For more information, contact Riley at 671-9347, e-mail Kristi at kristiriley@gmail.com or go to www.thegroupergrab.com.