Atlantic Ave Magazine September 2023

Mark Gerretson Memorial Fishing Tournament
28th Annual Mark Gerretson
Memorial Fishing Tournament
By the MGMFT Committee
The 28th Annual Mark Gerretson Memorial Fishing Tournament
was held on August 12, 2023. The Tournament Committee thanks
all of the donors, participants, and volunteers for ensuring that
the tournament was, once again, a tremendous success that will
benefit a number of local charities and local children.
58 | september 2023 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com
The tournament was started in 1994 by Mark Gerretson as the
Delray Beach Jaycees Fishing Tournament to raise money
for the Delray Police Department’s Kids and Cops program.
Mark ran the tournament for the next 11 years before he unexpectedly
passed away in 2005. His friends and family made a pact to
carry on the tournament in his name. In 2016, the tournament became
a 501(C) 3 non-profit Organization.
On Thursday, August 10th 2023, the Captain’s Meeting was held
at Hurricane Bar & Lounge at 640 E. Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach. The
owner, Paul Podlewski, and his staff did their normal outstanding
job taking care of everyone and making sure that the meeting was a
success. There were “High Dollar” raffle prizes given out which included
2 Engel Coolers 35 and 80 quart, a bicycle from Richwagen’s
Bike & Sport, a knife from WEX Gunworks handmade, 6 fishing rods
and reels from Tuppen’s, dive package Force-E, Costa sunglasses
Beach Optical, Bubba interchangeable filet knife set, 2 Wahoo lures,
4’ X 3’ painting, 50/50 raffle, $250 scratch off tickets and a Hospice
free boat entry for 2024. There were also many $2 raffle prizes
from local merchants such as; Tackle Crafters, Gulfstream Lures,
Nomad Surf Shop, Kluch Clothing, Sandie’s Dinner and more. We
had 16 boats registered for the tournament.
The weigh-in was once again held at the Palm Beach Yacht Center
at 7848 S. Federal Highway, Hypoluxo. The Yacht Center is a great
location with plenty of parking for cars and docking for boats, as
well as excellent facilities for weighing in and for people to mingle
while participating in the High $ raffles, weigh- in, and the award
ceremonies. The Kiwanas provided a food truck with excellent food
and drinks including hot dogs, sausages, beer and sodas.
The trophies were made by Jim McGrath. There were a fair
number of fish brought to the docks. “Miss Amy” won biggest fish
with a 24.2 lb. Kingfish. “Miss Amy” also won the largest Dolphin
a 9.2 lb. worth $1000. “The Boat” won largest Kingfish a 20.4 lb.
worth $1000. “Hookless” won Lady Angler an 18 lb. Kingfish. “Bad
Attitude” won the mystery fish with a 7.6 lb. Blackfin tuna which
worth $200 and some nice sushi. Madelyn Riseley won the Family
Fun fish award and $200. Unfortunately, there was no Wahoo or
trifecta to be awarded. Trifecta will roll over to next year’s tournament
at $2,000.
We would like to thank all the participants, volunteers, and the
donors for another successful year which allows us to provide continued
support in giving back to our community and allowing us
to carry on Mark’s legacy. The organizations that will benefit from
this tournament include: Delray Chamber Education Fund (Delray
Reads), Roots & Wings, Achievement Center, Plumosa, Boys and
Girls Clubs, CROS Ministries, Family Promise, Delray Citizens for
Delray Police, and High School Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
(Both College and Trades). You make all of this possible and help us
to make a big Difference.
We are a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization run solely by volunteers
who donate their time and energy to make this charitable
tournament possible. We look forward to seeing you at the 29th
Annual Tournament in 2024.
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