[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his is the second year for the very successful and quirky, Treasure Coast Bonito Blast. A fishing tournament that wants to go out and catch bonito? It’s a fish that few people attempt to eat and most fisherman use as bait after they curse the gods when one shows up at the end of their line, but is also the one fish you can count on catching during the heat of summer.
The only event of its kind in the area, this tournament is all about raising funds for Wounded Warriors of South Florida and it’s the brainchild of Capt. Nippy Pauels and Kit Munroe. Both avid fisherman, they wanted to have fun in August with a tournament that would be affordable and fun for everyone catching the only thing that seems to be biting.
Last August, with a field of 76 boats and over 150 anglers competing for $2,500 in cash and prizes, the tournament raised $20,000 for Wounded Warriors of South Florida. Inaugural event sponsors Blue Marlin Motors and Manatee Island Bar and Grill return again this year.
Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. This year’s prize is a three-day and two–night fishing vacation for up to four aboard “Waterfront 1” out of Jupiter, Florida, a 61-foot Viking sportfish that comes with a captain and crew and two nights’ accommodation on Grand Bahama Island. Also included is food and beer for the crossing. If a landlubber wins, they have the option of claiming $2,000 in cash instead.
Wounded Warriors of South Florida, is the beneficiary of all proceeds from the tournament. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to disabled veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND). The organization helps provide vets with services ranging from emergency housing, food assistance, utility bills, home and vehicle repairs to transportation to employment, doctor’s appointments or physical therapy.
Tournament registration is $100 and includes fishing and dinner Saturday for up to four anglers. Cash prizes totaling $2,500 will be awarded for the top three largest bonito caught. Junior anglers (under 12) fish free and will be recognized for their catch.
Live auction items include a four-night vacation package and dockage for up to a 55-foot vessel from Blue Marlin Resort on Grand Bahama valued at more than $3,500.
The captains meeting, final registration and a barbecue will be held at Manatee Island Grill on Friday, August 22 at 7 p.m. The awards presentation and dinner will also be at Manatee Island Bar and Grill beginning at 6 p.m. on August 23 and will feature live music, raffles and auctions (live and Chinese). Carey Chen designer tournament t-shirts and decals will also be available for sale both evenings. Registration forms are available online at www.TreasureCoastBonitoBlast.com. For more information, call (772) 919-5577.