Think of darts, ring toss, horseshoes or bocce ball using a fishing rod and a jig. Picture a set of targets made of Styrofoam noodles floating in the water.
Casting Contests Benefit Local Florida Keys Groups
Hosted by Salty’s Waterfront Grill and the 7 Mile Marina (MM 47.5 Gulfside in Marathon), the competition is held from 6 to 8 pm every Thursday. A different local concern is designated as the beneficiary for each contest.
Recipients have included KAIR (Keys Area Interdenominational Resources), Grace Jones Community Center, the Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys, the Turtle Hospital, Keys to Recovery, SHARK Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys, Marathon Wild Bird Center, Pigeon Key and others.
Marathon High School Maritime Scholarship
Some of the funds raised are earmarked for the Capt. Spider 7 Mile Marina Maritime Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is for Marathon High School students pursuing a career in a marine related field, such as marine patrol officer, fish and wildlife officer, boat captain, marine mechanics, marine biology and marine engineering. Students must have a 2.5 GPA to apply and complete a detailed application, which includes brief statements about why the candidate wants to pursue the specified field of interest and what his or her plans for the future are.
In 2010 and 2011, Capt. Spider proudly presented two $1,000 scholarships to Marathon High School students.
It’s Easy to Participate in the Casting Contests
For a $5 donation at all events, participants test their skills by casting a 3/8 ounce jig into a cluster of rings floating in the water. They get three practice casts and five chances for points. The rings vary in size and carry different points.
Casting Contest Prizes
Winners receive prizes, including fishing gear, T-shirts and gift certificates, which are donated by Fish Skinz, Marathon Bait and Tackle, the Tackle Box, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and Sushi Bar, the 7 Mile Marina and Salty’s Waterfront Grill.
NEW! The Stacie Kidwell Challenge: Any participant who successfully hits the 100-point ring in at least three of five attemps, receives a $500 CASH PRIZE, courtesy of Stacie Kidwell of Exit Realty Florida Keys.
Casting Contests are for Everyone!
Capt. Spider’s Casting Contests are open to the young and young at heart, locals and visitors alike! Everyone is encouraged to participate and is guaranteed to have a lot of fun while raising money for worthy organizations while possibly taking home some cool prizes.
The World Famous Florida Keys Sunset is a Bonus!
Capt. Spider is always in need of prize donations. Those interested in donating can reach him at (678) 725-3232. Groups interested in being considered as beneficiaries of the Casting Contest should also contact Capt. Spider.
Casting for Charity Sponsors
