01-07-2009, 12:10 PM
ISLAMORADA In-the-Florida Keys --- Fishing fun and feeling philanthropic in the Florida Keys at Flutie's Fifty and over tournament.
Okay, please excuse the alliteration but its worth emphasizing that two decades ago the late Capt. Al Flutie and friends started a little local charity sailfishing tournament that today continues to embody the fun of the sport and the uniqueness of the Florida Keys community.
Flutie, a popular Islamorada guide and radio fishing show host along with Dick Sheppard, Socko Gorenflo and Rip Tosun began the originally named Al Flutie Over-the-Hill Rip-Off Sailfish Tournament, which 20 years later is still the only senior's sailfish tournament in the world.
This year the historic seniors' catch-and-release competition kicks off Monday afternoon, Jan. 19 at Gary Dunn's Ocean View Inn (MM 84.5 bayside), with fishing, dinner and awards on Jan. 20.
The event has far-reaching appeal attracting not only locals but many anglers from northern states. Last year's top place winners were from New Jersey and Minnesota. It's also attracted the attention of the world's largest advocacy organization for the 50+ community in an AARP newsletter.
Anyone can participate but only those 50 years and older are eligible for trophies and prizes.
Asked why the tournament has enjoyed such enormous popularity, veteran tournament official Capt. Bill Kelly laughed saying, "The tournament's motto is 'we give tacky a touch of class.' We do it benefiting very worthy causes such as cystic fibrosis research through the Redbone celebrity tournaments here in Islamorada and MARC the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens of the Keys. We keep the entry fee affordable, make certain the food is top-notch, provide outstanding trophies by well-known marine artist Pasta Pantaleo and have high quality items in both the live and silent auctions. We throw in lots of fun and camaraderie and just hope the fishing is up to par. Even if the fishing is slow we have all the ingredients for a highly successful event."
Over the holidays the latest reports were the sailfish action was strong in the Atlantic waters.
Donating over $350.000 to local and national charities with zero administrative costs
Kelly said tournament originators are extremely proud of their event's history of profits for charities. With zero administrative dollars paid out of the profits more than $350,000 has been donated to numerous charities
"Because it's an all volunteer effort there's no administrative fees taken from tournament proceeds. Other than covering operating expenses, every penny raised goes to the charities.
"It's heart-warming knowing we're helping to make a difference," said Kelly. "The life span for those afflicted with CF has tripled and grows each and every day. Scientists are on the cusp to finding a cure for this disease and that's part of our mission. Also helping to preserve the valuable work of MARC of the Keys is fundamental to our community character. Keys residents have always stepped up to the plate when locals need help and support. That's what it's all about."
"Dunn, the former captain and Pittsburgh Steeler great opens his O V Inn and Sports Pub and all of our volunteers treat our anglers like royalty. I think that's why our anglers dig deep in their pockets to help raise money for our selected charities. Besides, this tournament is just plain fun to fish in!
"It's too bad Al, Dick and Socko are no longer with us to appreciate all of the goodness they helped generate for Keys infrastructure and such noble causes. Somehow I feel they know it and continue to shower their blessings on all of us."
More tournament information and downloadable entry forms are on the MARC website at: www.marchouse.org. Or participants can call co-chairmen Michelle Snyder at 305-852-3282 or at 305-849-3042, or Gordon Ross at 305-294-9526 ext. 25 gordonkw1552@aim.com.
Media Contact
Michelle Snyder (305) 852-3282 or (305) 849-3042, Gordon Ross (305) 294-9526 ext. 25 or gordonkw1552@aim.com
Okay, please excuse the alliteration but its worth emphasizing that two decades ago the late Capt. Al Flutie and friends started a little local charity sailfishing tournament that today continues to embody the fun of the sport and the uniqueness of the Florida Keys community.
Flutie, a popular Islamorada guide and radio fishing show host along with Dick Sheppard, Socko Gorenflo and Rip Tosun began the originally named Al Flutie Over-the-Hill Rip-Off Sailfish Tournament, which 20 years later is still the only senior's sailfish tournament in the world.
This year the historic seniors' catch-and-release competition kicks off Monday afternoon, Jan. 19 at Gary Dunn's Ocean View Inn (MM 84.5 bayside), with fishing, dinner and awards on Jan. 20.
The event has far-reaching appeal attracting not only locals but many anglers from northern states. Last year's top place winners were from New Jersey and Minnesota. It's also attracted the attention of the world's largest advocacy organization for the 50+ community in an AARP newsletter.
Anyone can participate but only those 50 years and older are eligible for trophies and prizes.
Asked why the tournament has enjoyed such enormous popularity, veteran tournament official Capt. Bill Kelly laughed saying, "The tournament's motto is 'we give tacky a touch of class.' We do it benefiting very worthy causes such as cystic fibrosis research through the Redbone celebrity tournaments here in Islamorada and MARC the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens of the Keys. We keep the entry fee affordable, make certain the food is top-notch, provide outstanding trophies by well-known marine artist Pasta Pantaleo and have high quality items in both the live and silent auctions. We throw in lots of fun and camaraderie and just hope the fishing is up to par. Even if the fishing is slow we have all the ingredients for a highly successful event."
Over the holidays the latest reports were the sailfish action was strong in the Atlantic waters.
Donating over $350.000 to local and national charities with zero administrative costs
Kelly said tournament originators are extremely proud of their event's history of profits for charities. With zero administrative dollars paid out of the profits more than $350,000 has been donated to numerous charities
"Because it's an all volunteer effort there's no administrative fees taken from tournament proceeds. Other than covering operating expenses, every penny raised goes to the charities.
"It's heart-warming knowing we're helping to make a difference," said Kelly. "The life span for those afflicted with CF has tripled and grows each and every day. Scientists are on the cusp to finding a cure for this disease and that's part of our mission. Also helping to preserve the valuable work of MARC of the Keys is fundamental to our community character. Keys residents have always stepped up to the plate when locals need help and support. That's what it's all about."
"Dunn, the former captain and Pittsburgh Steeler great opens his O V Inn and Sports Pub and all of our volunteers treat our anglers like royalty. I think that's why our anglers dig deep in their pockets to help raise money for our selected charities. Besides, this tournament is just plain fun to fish in!
"It's too bad Al, Dick and Socko are no longer with us to appreciate all of the goodness they helped generate for Keys infrastructure and such noble causes. Somehow I feel they know it and continue to shower their blessings on all of us."
More tournament information and downloadable entry forms are on the MARC website at: www.marchouse.org. Or participants can call co-chairmen Michelle Snyder at 305-852-3282 or at 305-849-3042, or Gordon Ross at 305-294-9526 ext. 25 gordonkw1552@aim.com.
Media Contact
Michelle Snyder (305) 852-3282 or (305) 849-3042, Gordon Ross (305) 294-9526 ext. 25 or gordonkw1552@aim.com