Conservancy of SW Florida's 2021 RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament nets almost $14,000

NAPLES, Fla. - EntSun -- The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosted the 2021 RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament Oct. 8-10. The Friday night kick-off was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it did not dampen the spirits of the anglers as they launched from locations in Naples, Goodland and Chokoloskee on Saturday and Sunday. The tournament netted almost $140,000, which is the highest raised for the tournament. Funds are used by the Conservancy in its work to protect the waters in Southwest Florida.

"Water is our most precious resource," said Rob Moher, Conservancy president and CEO.  "Clean water supports the wonderful lifestyle in Southwest Florida that we call home. It supports our wildlife, our economy and our health."

The tournament was chaired by Wayne Meland of Meland Kahl Wealth Management-Benjamin Edwards. Twenty-two companies or individuals sponsored the tournament with Meland Kahl Wealth Management-Benjamin Edwards and the Tompkins Family being the presenting sponsors. Supporting sponsors were RGM Capital, Kukk Architecture & Design, Papa's Pilar, COSTA and Oliver Rogers Photography. Tournament sponsors included Collins Vision, Newberry North Associates, Surf & Turf Custom, Mang, Hell's Bay Boatworks, Northern Trust, YETI, Katrina-Lundmark Kash and Rick Kash Family Foundation, Sticky Holsters, Dustin J. Beard Team, Quarles & Brady, LLP, Thomas Campbell & Richard Prebish, Cogent Bank, Suncoast Beverage, Sue Shea, Gulfshore Insurance and Naples Daily News.

More on EntSun News

• Melzi Job Coach Launches on iOS and Android: A Privacy-First AI Career Engine Built for Execution
• "The Mystery of Emma Thorn" Earns Nomination & Official Selection of the New Media Film Festival
• Jason's Big Climb Fundraiser - March 28, 2026
• Attention Singers & Musicians: Are you Looking for your Next Big Song Hits? Meet the Motherlode!
• Kling 3.0 Is Here: The AI Video Revolution You Can Actually Use Today

"Yes, the tournament is about fishing, but it is much, much more," said Committee Chair Wayne Meland. "Clean water means clean fish. Clear water means healthy fish. It means clean sanctuaries for fish to spawn. It means a better tourist industry. It means safer water for all. The Conservancy uses science-base knowledge to help protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries and the Gulf."

Committee members for the tournament were: Wayne Meland, Kyle Coar, Jessica and Tony Fontana, Buddy Hornbeck, Brad Jones, Jon Kukk, John McLean, Mokey Shea and Henley Shotwell.

First place winners included:

First Place Guided Bait Division

Doug Stoner and Mark Murphy
Guide: Jim Stoner

First Place Unguided Bait Division:

Edward Novinski and Joseph Zadlo

First Place Guided Artificial Division:

Wayne Meland and Jon Kukk

Guide: Andrew Bostik

First Place Unguided Artificial Division:

Kyle Coar and Pat Butler

First Place Fly Division:

EJ Sigety and Oliver Rogers

In addition, awards were given in the following categories:

More on EntSun News

• Dayton Fashion Week™ and Fashion Week of Cincinnati™ Open Designer Invitation Requests for 2027
• Fashion Sourcing I Leading B2B Marketplace For Custom Apparel Manufacturer in China
• DJ Drewstyle Announces March 2026 Performance Schedule at Estelle Scottsdale
• Detroit Hip-hop Takes Center Stage: Historic Official Sxsw Showcase Spotlights The City's Rising Music Economy
• Training Lofts Launches $1,099 Unlimited Training Membership Featuring Semi-Private Coaching, Nutrition Support, and Recovery Services

Winning Corporate Team

Sticky Holsters

Largest Snook, 42 inches:

Ella Grace Bradley

Largest Red, 35 inches

Pat Butler

Top Scoring Angler

Kevin Pileski

Learn more about the Conservancy's work and how to support (http://www.conservancy.org/support-us) the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.