ABOUT THE REDSNOOK: History / Rules / Schedule / Committee        

• The Red Snook Catch and Release Charity Tournament is a reminder of one of the treasures of our region --- our waterways. Without clean and abundant supplies of water, recreational and sport fishing would be a thing of the past.

• The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when a group of community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” that would have destroyed the vitality and productivity of Rookery Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands.

• The Conservancy of Southwest Florida focuses on protecting our environment and quality of life. We bring science-based policy solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our region --- our waters, our land and native wildlife.

• We believe that blue-green algae, red tide and polluted waterways are everyday reminders that all is not well in this paradise we love. We recognize that the quality of our environment is linked to our economic viability, recreation and enjoyment of all this area has to offer.

• In partnership with other environmental organizations, academic institutions, scientists and advocacy organizations, our accomplishments have included: o Promoting the conservation of 55,000 acres of land in Southern Golden gate Estates, helping to restore natural water flows to the Western Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands

  • Helping to preserve Naples Bay, its mangroves and sea life, by limiting boat slips and shoreline development in Hamilton Harbor

  • Supporting the designation of the Caloosahatchee River as one of America’s ten most-endangered rivers

  • Providing the baseline water quality monitoring of Naples Bay to lay the groundwork for future water quality issues

  • Helping to protect environmental jewels such as Ten Thousand Islands, Big Cypress, Estero Bay, the Cocohatchee Slough, and the Caloosahatchee River

  • Monitoring and providing recommendations to reduce polluted discharges from Lake Okeechobee that harm our rivers, bays, estuaries, the Gulf of Mexico and ultimately our marine life

  • Rating the condition of our region’s vital waters in our “Estuaries Report Card” and providing solutions for correcting the conditions

About the Conservancy Estuaries and Water Initiatives

Water: too much, too little, too dirty. All of these conditions damage the quality of life for humans, animals and aquatic species.

Since the Spanish explorers were met by the Calusa Indians, the delicate ecosystem of the Everglades region has been degraded. The recent destruction of wetlands, mismanagement of water resources, and collateral damage associated with a growing community, have damaged the estuaries of Southwest Florida. Snook, Redfish and Tarpon populations, “nursed” within our estuaries, have suffered and their long-term viability is threatened.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has taken a leadership position in the research, advocacy, and protection of our waters and estuaries in the region. Given the importance of the estuaries to sport fishing, it is appropriate that the proceeds from the RedSnook Tournament go to the Conservancy waters and estuaries programs.

While anglers focus on the importance of the estuaries for recreational interests, the estuaries are extremely important for economic viability and public health. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission reports that saltwater fishing in Florida accounts for $5.8 billion in expenditures and supports over 59,000 jobs. Without a sound ecosystem, this great economic vitality will be lost. Conversely, the negative impact of red tide poses health and economic threats. The recent decline of sea turtle nests and the increase in manatee deaths are partially related to the higher incidences of red tide.

In cooperation with other partners, the Conservancy estuaries and coastal watershed programs have three primary objectives in protection of our natural resources:

1. Educate the public of the importance of our waters and the estuaries.
2. Provide science-based, environmentally sound solutions to policy makers, government leaders and corporations to protect them.
3. As a last resort, initiate legal action to protect natural resources.

Your support of the RedSnook Tournament will benefit our community in many ways. First, the tournament has been in existence for 14 years and is an important legacy to our community. Second, the economic impact of the tournament is significant -- from food catering to servicing the needs of out of town competitors, the purchase of fishing tackle and the hiring of guides. Third, the money raised for the Conservancy will benefit many generations to come. Without healthy estuaries, the quality of life that brought many of us to the community will not be present for our current enjoyment and future generations to come.

On behalf of the RedSnook tournament committee, your support of the tournament is greatly appreciated.