From Naples News, 6-4-08

Recreation: Caloosa fishing tournament turns 19 with a move to Fort Myers Beach resort

By DANA OPPEDISANO

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The site may have changed, but organizers behind the immensely popular Caloosa Tournament Series are sure it’s a move for the better.

This weekend’s Caloosa Catch and Release celebrates the event’s 19th year, for the first time ever, at the five-star Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Myers Beach.

Fishing Days are Friday and Saturday and there’s still plenty of room to sign up for the event, which targets snook, redfish, trout and a daily mystery fish.

Over $30,000 will be awarded in cash and prizes, including $17,000 for the biggest redfish hooked in the “Hooters Catch the Big One Redfish Bonanza” (at an extra entry cost of $300 per team). All anglers get custom Caloosa gear, while trophies will be given to the top three teams and captains, plus awards for youth, ladies and a sportsmanship award.

The fun starts with a silent and live auction on Friday at 6:30 p.m., including an open bar and dinner for $75, plus more than 200 items — including a 17-foot Maverick with a Yamaha motor and Boatmaster Trailer, 15 resort packages, rods, reels and more — up for bids.

Proceeds benefit athletic scholarships at Florida Gulf Coast University, so call director Ron Riley at 671-9347 or visit www.caloosacatchandrelease.com for more info.