The 27th Annual Mark Gerretson Memorial Fishing Tournament was held on August 13, 2022. Thanks to all of the participants, donors, and volunteers, the event was once again a great success that will benefit local charitable organizations and children.
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 & Cops program.
Mark ran the tournament for 11 years before he passed away in 2005. Friends and family made a pact to carry on the tournament in Mark’s name. In 2016 the tournament became a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
On Thursday, August 11th the Captain’s meeting was held at Hurricane Bar & Lounge at 640-7 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. The owner, Paul Podlewski, and his staff did an awesome job taking care of everyone. Thursday’s High dollar raffles included: 4 Shimano TLD 25 reel & rod combos, 2 Penn Battle III Spinning Reel & Jigging Rod Combos, and 1 Penn Squall II Reel & Rod. There were also loads of $1.00 raffle prizes from local vendors including No-mad Surf Shop, Kluch Clothing, Pat’s Discount Beverages, and Del-ray Yacht Cruises given out. There were also gift certificates from local restaurants: J&J Seafood, Granger’s Grill, Sande’s, and Furin Sushi & Thai. With 20 boats registered we had good weather for Saturday’s tournament.
The weigh-in was held at Palm Beach Yacht Center at 7848 South Federal Hwy., Hypoluxo. They were very accommodating and provided plenty of dock space. Saturday’s High Dollar raffles included: Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler, Bubba Electric Fillet Knife Set, 50/50 raffle, $250.00 of Scratch Off Tickets, Benchmade Knife, Quiksilver Soft Sid-ed Cooler & Dry Bag, Free Boat Entry for Hospice 2023 Fishing Tournament and an Electra Men’s Cruiser Bike – Richwagen’s Bike & Sport.
Our trophies this year were handcrafted by Keith Kern, one of our committee members, together with his brother, Jim. Many fish were brought in. Early Bird won the Largest Fish with a 41.6 lb. Wahoo was worth $2,000 and also won the Trifecta which has rolled over for four years at $4,000. Hookless won Kingfish – 13.4 lbs. $1,000 and Lady Angler – 19.9 lbs. $200 plus a basket, Reality Check won Dolphin – 14.6 lbs. and also Wahoo – 16.4 lbs. $1000 each. Perpetual Motion won Mystery Fish with a 5 lb. Black Fin $200 and Clean Slate won Family Fun Fish $200.
We would like to thank all participants and sponsors for another successful year and their continued support towards giving back to our community as well as carrying on Mark Gerretson’s legacy. To name a few organizations that will benefit from the event: Delray Chamber Education Fund (Delray Reads – books), Roots & Wings, Achievement Center, Plumosa, Boys & Girls Club, CROS Ministries, Family Promise, Delray Citizens for Delray Police, and High School Scholarships for graduating Seniors. You make this all possible and a big difference. We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization run solely by volunteers donating their time and efforts to make this charitable tournament possible. Looking forward to the 28th Annual in 2023.
