Backcountry challenge supports local cat population

A full field of anglers recently ventured out to the backcountry for the annual Casting for Cats fishing tournament on Oct. 17.

Coming away grand champions in the ladies team division were Linda Denkert and Carmen Perez. Captaining the duo was Dave Denkert. In the coed division, fishing guide Richard and Brooke Black were crowned winners. Junior angler grand champion was Braylon Lindmar.

A kickoff party and awards dinner were held at the Islander Resort. As participants were out fishing, community members stopped by the resort to take part in the litter box dig, where they could dig up prizes.

A 17-foot Dragonfly skiff was on the line for the first team to catch all six species. The tough task wasn’t achieved in this tournament. Mahoney said the skiff will be up for grabs for any duo catching a permit, tarpon, bonefish, snook, redfish and catfish next year.

Since its inception, Casting for Cats and founder Sharon Mahoney has helped more than 8,200 cats get spay and neutering services in collaboration with other organizations like Whiskers and Paws Forever of Monroe County. Mahoney is now working closely with the Upper Keys Humane Society.

“We raised serious money for the rescue and adopted two kittens out during the day when everyone was out fishing,” she said.

The proceeds will help the humane society obtain a new operating table.

Mahoney said a private donation allowed 12 students from Coral Shores High School and Plantation Key School to fish in a tournament, some for the first time.

“It’s the best tournament I ever had,” Mahoney said. “The kids had so much fun. Dunkin Donuts filled backpacks and Texas Roadhouse was there giving away gift cards. The guides went out their way to be patient with the kids. It’s something that tthis community should be proud of. We have people who do give.”

The next Casting for Cats tournament will be Oct. 15-16, 2027. More information is at castingforcats.org.

Casting for Cats organizer Sharon Mahoney with the coed winners, captain Richard and Brooke Black. CONTRIBUTED

Top junior angler goes to Braylon Lindmar. CONTRIBUTED

Backcountry challenge supports local cat population

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