Back in 1996 Key West fishing captains Nick Malinowsky, Joe Greene and Willy Smith ran their fishing charters out of Oceanside Marina (now Ocean’s Edge.)
They would often see Don Moore, executive director of MARC (Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens), take some MARC clients fishing in his own boat. They saw the clients’ excitement and wanted to do something special for them.
Enter the MARC Grunt Release Tournament. When Moore died, the captains named the tournament in his honor.
The tournament provides a rare opportunity for clients to fish with professional guides, compete against their peers and spend a day on the water.
Awards are given for the three largest grunts and a host of other categories, including Most Unusual Fish, Hard Luck Story and Best FishTale.
Led by Captain Nick Malinowsky, many of the captains and mates have been donating their time and vessels to the tournament since its inception. MARC, which provides life skills and job training for developmentally disabled adults, couldn’t do it without the support of community partners: Mike Bender at Ocean’s Edge, The Klausing Family and Sloppy Joe’s, Four Star Rental, FINZ, Pepe’s Café, Key West Marine Hardware, Harpoon Harry’s, Hurricane Hole, and the Halterman Family.
The Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC) treats clients to its 24th annual Don Moore Memorial Grunt Tournament.
THIS YEAR’S WINNERS:
Grunts
First Place: Tom Synon with Capt. Chris Trosset aboard Reel Fly
Second Place: Amalia with Capt. John Jackson aboard Reel Contender
Third Place. Serina with Capt. Mike Odwyer aboard FINZ
Joe Greene Award for largest lane snapper: Rye Kelly with Capt. “RT” Robert Trosset aboard Spindrift
Hayden Smith Award for largest edible fish: Philip Thurston with Capt. Tyson Veech aboard Super Grouper III
Romi Halterman Award for prettiest fish: Tyrelle Robinson with Capt. “RT” Robert Trossel aboard Spindrift
Most Unusual Catch: Moray eel by Rosemary with Capt. John Divoll aboard Match Point
Best Hard Luck Story: No Grunts — Wendy Sencal with Capt. Al Ware aboard Where’s the Fish (WTF)
Best Fish Tale: Kai caught a “new” species and named it “Blue Wonder,” though we think it was a blue runner, with Capt. Evan Tingle aboard Fintastic
Jean Klausing Sportsmanship Award: Donald with Capt. Tyson Veech aboard Super Grouper III
Buddy Duncan Award for most grunts caught: Billy Moore with Capt. Jesus Diaz aboard Fish Hunter II
