The Richest Tarpon Fishing Tournment in the World Returns to SW FL





The world's richest tarpon tournment returns after a seven year break in the action to SW FL.  According to The New-Press article May 16, 2012 titled, "Return of The Tarpon"  there are 33 team currenty signed up.  The tournment is help in the waters just off Boca Grande, Gasprilla Island and Caya Costa Island, FL.  This will be a two day tournament with emphasis on conservation of the tarpon fishery.  Catches with be measured and released. 

The Beach Caya Costa State Park

Huge Tarpon & Little Bikinis...Lady's Day Fishing Tournament In Boca Gra...

The Silver King - Great video of the History of Tarpon Fishing in SW FL

Since the Richest Tarpon Tournment in the world has returned to SW FL I find it appropriate to repost this great video of the history of Tarpon Fishing. You will see why the tarpon is a great fish to catch with many spectular jumps and twist high to the air. The tournment is help just off shore of Boca Grande, Gasprilla and Caya Costa Island, Florida This year's purse is up to $80,000 providing they get 50 teams to enter at $2000 each. It is a two day tournment.

What to do if you go aground while boating in SW FL

"If you have not gone aground, you have not been boating in SW FL" A quote I have heard more than once from boating friends. It is very important to stay in the channels as marked. News Press Article on "What to do if you go aground"

Annual Mullet Toss in Matlacha, FL Has a two time winner

Image via WikipediaThe first weekend of February is when the annual Matlacha Mariners Mullet Toss is held in Matlacha, FL.  Contestants are warming up and preparing for the big event by throwing softballs.  This will be the 21st Year for this event. The event is Free to the Public.  Contestants pay $5 per toss.  One can go to www.matlachamariners.org for more infomation.  Plus the News Press has an article about Richard Bartz, two time winner of the event.

Gerry Gearing

"Gerry" Gerald Edward Gearing, 09/12/1920-11/24/2011.  He was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.  Joined the Army Air Force, honorably discharged and attended University of Wisconsin on the GI Bill.  In 1949 he graduated with honors in 3.5 years, and started working for the Trackson Company in Milwaukee, WI.  Trackson was acquired by Caterpillar Tractor CO and Gerry worked for Caterpillar in Mossville, IL, Peoria, IL, Mentor, Ohio and retired from Caterpillar's Peoria, IL General HQ in 1980.

Gerry married June Ann Bechmann in 1942.  June and Gerry were married almost 60 years before her death in 2002. Survivors include son Kurt Gearing( Helen) and daughter Julie Gearing( John Martin), 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Balma ( John), Dr. Eric Gearing ( Tara Dickherber), Tori Selznick (Charles Krise) and Derek Selznick ( Erin Herbert), 2 Step-grandchildren Jason Kruse (Angelina Childers) & Reggie Kruse, plus 7 great grandchildren.  Gerry was the oldest of 7 children of Elizabeth and Rolland Gearing; all siblings survive along with many nieces and nephews.

He retired to Cape Coral, FL in 1980. Gerry was active in Cape Coral Crime & Canal Watch programs and Republican Party. He enjoyed fishing, boating and golfing with his buddies. He also was an avid reader, enjoyed current events and was very active in his church.

He will be remembered for all the great stories and tall tales he told to friends and family. He will also be remembered by his kind words and hugs he gave this family and friends.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Dec 17, 2 PM at Jehovah’s Kingdom Hall,

701 Hutto Rd North Fort Myers

. Open house at 3:00 PM will follow at Kurt and Helen Gearing's home, 2033 SE 27th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the National Audubon Society, www.audubon.org. 

Boat Dealers in SW FL say tide is Turning

Image by NSW Maritime via FlickrAt a recent Boat Show at Harbour Side Convention Center, The News-Press reporter Mary Wozinak reports that dealers say things are looking up as far as sales recently in SW Florida.   Read what she reports.