We had a great list of local sponors for our Blue Water Charity Fishing Tournament. The Exchange Club of Sebastian would like to take a moment, now that we have caught our breath, and thank each and every one of our sponsors. This year we have one very special award, it is the The Capt. William Charles Memorial Catchin’ & Cookin’ Award.
This award was created by Carol Knapstein as a way to honor and memorialize her husband, Capt’n Bill. Bill’s incredible love for fishing, grouper in particular, prompted the Knapsteins to produce the Catchin’ & Cookin’ TV show. Sadly, we lost Bill this past year, but his spirit and fishing acumen still lives on!
This award is given to the largest grouper caught in the Sebastian Exchange Club’s Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament.
The award was won by Rob Reilly in this, the inaugural year 2017, with a 45.05 pound grouper caught aboard Restricted Species, the Woody’s Bar-B-Q sponsor boat.
Fishing with Rob and Capt’n Ronnie Meeks, was Matson Scott, who took second place grouper. Matson was friends with Capt’n Bill and fished with him on many occasions. In accepting the award, Matson stated that when they left the dock on tournament morning, he pointed up to Bill and said “be with us today, buddy”. His prayers were answered!
Carol stated, “God’s hand touched so many people today through Matson’s words, who loved and honored Bill in front of everyone present. Miracles happened today, through the love of fishing and a wonderful man who dedicated his life to the sport.”