10 Years of Giving Back
SAVE THE DATE | JULY 13-15, 2023
It’s that time of year again, Grouper Grapple 2023 is in the final stages of planning, but we want to make sure you are saving the date for this year’s festivities. Get ready for a weekend of fishing, family, fun, and all going to benefit two great causes, Heart on Main Street and The Jeff Sommer Memorial Scholarship.
We are happy to continue our support of the Jeff Sommer Memorial Scholarship Fund. Jeff Sommer was an integral coach for Estero High Schools Cross Country Team. He has been not only a coach, leading the team to 9 state titles, but a friend and mentor for generations of athletes including many of the Grouper Grapple founders and participants.
In late September 2022, Hurricane Ian bore down on Southwest Florida causing many individuals to lose their livelihoods and personal property. Grouper Grapple 2023 is partnering with Heart on Main Street, a non-profit whose goal is to support local small businesses and independent retailers. Through Heart on Main our proceeds will go directly to supporting the local seafood industry devastated by Hurricane Ian, more specifically Erickson and Jensen Seafood on the rebuild of their Fort Myers Beach Locations.
“Heart on Main Street is dedicated to providing the tools and resources to independent retailers to help them thrive and evolve. We want to help retailers accomplish their goals, refine their business and reinvent themselves to better serve their customers.”— Patrick Keiser Executive Director of Heart on Main Street
tournament schedule
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Captain’s Meeting at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant | 6PM-8PM
Friday, July 14, 2023
Fishing Day | Shotgun Start at 6AM from Northwest Tip of Bowditch Point
Weigh In at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant | 4PM-6PM (Open to the Public)
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Awards, Dinner, Silent & Live Auction at Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant | 6PM-9PM
Fish caught and weighed in for the tournament will prepared and cooked in multiple ways by the Chef at Snug Harbor for Saturday’s Awards Dinner! Additional guests for the Saturday Reception are $25 for Adults and $15 for Youth.
tournament registration
EARLY REGISTRATION ENTRY FEE ($600/Team)
Monday, May 15, 2023 – Sunday, June 25, 2023
REGISTRATION ENTRY FEE ($675/Team)
Monday, June 26, 2023 – Captain’s Meeting on July 13, 2023
Team Entry Fee includes 5 Anglers. Additional Angler fee is $100 and Additional Guests for the Saturday Reception is $25 for Adults and $15 for Youth. Additions can be added at the end of the Registration Form.
benefiting
JEFF SOMMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
“Coach Jeff Sommer always told his cross country runners that pain is temporary and pride is forever he instilled in us that nothing hurts compared to what it feels like to quit. He was a builder of leaders and people who would and could, quite literally, go the extra mile. He also taught me how to give. That’s why we want to give back.”
– Brian Peachey
We would like to honor the memory of Coach Jeff Sommer of Estero High School and the positive impact that he had on hundreds of young people and adults. Brian Peachey, the founder of the Grouper Grapple Offshore Fishing Tournament was an all-star athlete who ran cross country and track for Coach Sommer from 1989-1993. Along with his fellow athletes, Coach Sommer pushed them to be their best taking them to the State meet where they were Runner up in 1991 and State Champions in 1992. Peachey was recognized as All Southwest Florida Cross Country Runner of the year during his time with Coach at Estero HS and has stayed close with Coach Sommer and his family throughout the years.
HEART ON MAIN STREET
Small businesses on Main Street are the backbones of their communities. By supporting small businesses, we can help support the local community. Heart on Main Street is dedicated to providing the tools, resources, and education to small businesses and independent retailers to help them thrive and evolve. We want to help small businesses accomplish their goals, refine their business and reinvent themselves to serve their communities better.
Through Heart on Main our proceeds will go directly to supporting the local seafood industry devastated by Hurricane Ian, more specifically Erickson and Jensen on the rebuild of their Fort Myers Beach location.
PRESENTED BY:
preferred marina
Moss Marina
(239) 765-6677
450 Harbor Ct, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Moss Marina is located right next to Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant. If you need a boat slip during the tournament, Moss Marina is offering slips for $50/night for tournament participants. Reserve as soon as possible and mention Grouper Grapple with reservation.
preferred lodging partner
Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites
1051 Fifth Avenue, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931
The Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites is the preferred lodging for the 2023 Grouper Grapple Fishing Tournament.