The 41st Friendliest Catch fishing tournament was held Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Sarasota Outboard Club on City Island. The tournament originated with the first Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix races, which were paused in 2025.
The Friendliest Catch Fishing Fun Day is a private event for people with special needs who are associated with the nonprofit organizations supported by Suncoast Charities for Children. The event was organized in partnership with the Sarasota Outboard Club and made possible by the generous boat captains who donate their vessels, fishing equipment and time.
The tournament pairs children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities with local fishing guides and volunteers. Its intent has always been to ensure that those who benefit from the event can take part in the festivities.
The proceeds from Tuesday’s tournament were donated to Suncoast Charities for Children.
Tim Erickson, who has since died, organized the first tournament in the early 1980s. Janet Clark, who now runs the event, inherited it from her parents, Pat and Jack Horner, who helped bring the boat races to Sarasota.
Capt. Jeffery Durrance leads the local fishing captains and volunteers. He is responsible for contacting and organizing the boats and captains who take participants out for a morning on Sarasota Bay. His duties include helping participants board and leave the boats. He also tracks which angler fished with which captain and ensures everyone returns safely.
“It’s super rewarding seeing the smiling faces when they get back to the dock after a day of fishing,” Durrance told me.
Capt. Rick Grassett was one of the participating fishing guides this year. After the event, he called me to say what a great experience it had been. I could hear the excitement in his voice.
“I had the pleasure to fish the Suncoast Charities for Children’s ‘Friendliest Catch’ fishing tournament in Sarasota Bay today,” Grassett said. “The angler who fished with me, Joe Spath, had a passion for casting and fishing with lures. His smile and enthusiasm was amazing. He fished hard, catching and releasing trout, juvenile gag grouper, ladyfish, jacks and Spanish mackerel on DOA CAL jigs with paddle tails. His last fish of the day was the largest, an estimated 20-inch trout! A great day!”
At the end of the morning, participants ate lunch at the Outboard Club, and everyone took home a trophy.
On a personal note, as someone who has an autistic niece at The Haven and visits there regularly, I can personally attest to what a rewarding experience it is to be involved with these special individuals.
