"Friendliest Catch" Fishing Tournament a Victory for All

For the last 27 years, over every Fourth of July weekend Sarasota has hosted the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival. When most think of the festivities they a reminded of the parties, boat races and fireworks, but there is so much more behind it.

One of the traditions is to raise money for charity, such as the Suncoast Charities for Children, which has raised about 14 million dollars to build facilities for children and adults with special needs. 

Patch was lucky enough to be a part of the "Friendliest Catch" fishing tournament at the Sarasota Outboard Club in . The "tournament" is designed to give mentally and physically challenged people a chance to go out on the water and reel in that big catch.

The event was made possible by all the volunteers that came out to show a bunch of amazing people young and old a good time. Travis Lofland from the TV show "Deadliest Catch" was on deck to help with the festivities.

Patch rode with the Tightlines charter boat with Captain Chris Seger and 1st mate Jason Boyll. Even though their charter has been booked solid seven days strait, they took some time out Friday morning to be a part of the event. As soon as the shrimp hit the water they were getting a bite instantly. Seger and Boyll made sure they had fresh bait for their shipmates.

After over two hours of fishing out in Sarasota Bay and escaping the rainy forecast, everyone headed in for a luncheon and awards. 

At the end of the day the volunteers were satisfied with work; Putting smiles on children's faces.