LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Last tournament of the season wrap-up – many thanks all around for another great GIMM fundraiser!

To the Editor:

Gasparilla island Maritime Museum hosted The Howl at The Moon tournament on last Saturday  night. The evening storms veered to the east and the tarpon bite was on  immediately, with the Miss Aubrey team releasing the first fish within two minutes of lines in the water!  Yes, we were in for another fun night in the Pass with fish on radio calls.

There were 15 boats entered and 34 fish released in the three-hour tournament. First place went to Little Spook with five releases, and the Searene won second place with five releases … not to mention last fish prizes! 

We’d like to thank all the captains, mates, spotters and anglers for participating. Their $100 donation per boat ($1,500) to the GIMM is so appreciated!

Thank you to Italiano Insurance for joining GIMM in sponsoring the great-looking Howl T-shirts. We do have a few left if you’d like purchase one.

A special thank you to Whidden’s Marina, the Boca Beacon and our executive team for the tournament that included Kacy Cheske, Robin Hollins and Ashley Scarpa. Great job again monitoring the radio and keeping track of the rapid-fire releases. 

Tournament eason might be over, but the mighty Silver Kings are still in the Pass, in the harbor and along the beaches, so please enjoy the next couple of months with a local guide on the water. A day or night on the water is always fun.  

We are dedicated to presenting and preserving the fishing heritage of our area. Please stop in and visit the museum at Whidden’s Marina, 190 First St. E.

Tight lines,

Betsy  F. Joiner and 

the GIMM Board