Grab a Grouper and ‘Live Like Jeff’

This Friday, May 1, grouper season opens in the Keys, and Forever Young Charter Company is hosting the 1st Annual Dive for Jeff Grouper Opener Tournament. The contest starts at 6 a.m. and virtual weigh-ins must be submitted by 8 p.m.

The fishing tournament honors the late Jeff Leonia of Islamorada, who passed away suddenly in November. 

“This year we will keep things simple and do a virtual weigh in at the end of the day,” the contest’s Facebook event page says. $30 gets you in, and you can enter in three categories: freedive, scuba and hook/line. Entry money goes towards the cash prize in your specific category.

The heaviest gutted fish for each category wins. Fish must be gutted and submitted by 8 p,m. on Friday, May 1st. You can only win one category.

To submit your fish, take a photo of your largest grouper on the scale and post it on the Facebook event page. Anyone needing a scale to weigh their fish can contact Forever Young.

“Jeff loved hunting big fish and nobody got more excited about grouper opener than him,” says Tony Young, owner of Forever Young and Leonia’s best friend. “It’s the day we would look forward to all year long!”

Leonia was a natural waterman who loved to fish and be on the water above all else, his friends and family often remember. Several participants have shared on the Facebook event page that they will be participating and flying their ‘Live Like Jeff’ flags, a commemorative reminder to live each day to the fullest and to always go for the big “monster” fish, like Jeff did. The flags are also raising funds to help the local community through this coronavirus crisis.

“Let’s create a special tournament for Jeff. This year will be small, but next year lets make it big!,” Young adds. “Please comment and help spread the word!”

To purchase a flag, visit livelikejeff.com/.

To enter the tournament, Venmo entry fees to @captaintonyyoung. Contact Forever Young for other payment options.