29th Annual Don Moore Grunt Tournament a Reel Success

29th Annual Don Moore Grunt Tournament a Reel Success

The 29th Annual Don Moore Grunt Tournament, held on July 14, 2026, brought together anglers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for another memorable day on the water, all while benefiting MARC and the adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities we serve throughout Monroe County.

This beloved Keys tradition would not be possible without the dedication of Nick Mannetti and Robert Trossett III, whose hard work and organization continue to make the tournament a tremendous success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all of the captains, volunteers, and helpers who donated their time and talents to make the day run so smoothly.

A special thank you goes to Mike Bender and Ocean's Edge Marina for generously hosting the tournament and providing delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, and refreshing watermelon for everyone to enjoy after a great day of fishing.

We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters who helped make this year's tournament so successful:

  • Sloppy Joe's for donating the commemorative 29th Annual Don Moore Memorial tote bags, T shirts, and hats.

  • Bonnie Malinovsky for donating $250 in Sloppy Joe's gift cards.

  • Finz for providing T shirts, water bottles, and dive flags.

  • Key West Marine Hardware for donating sunglasses and stickers.

  • Harpoon Harry's for two $50 gift cards.

  • Roostica for two $25 gift cards.

Congratulations to all of this year's award winners!

Tournament Winners

🏆 1st Place Largest Grunt
Bill Smith – 1.10 lb

🥈 2nd Place Largest Grunt
Ben Cummings – 0.75 lb

🥉 3rd Place Largest Grunt
Ben Neff – 0.60 lb

Joe Green Award – Largest Lane Snapper
Norma Miranda – 1.25 lb

Hayden Smith Award – Largest Edible Fish
Billy Moore – Porgy, 1.25 lb

Romi & Jerry Halterman Award – Prettiest Fish
Joseph Fisher – Schoolmaster Snapper, 0.50 lb

Most Unusual Catch Award
Phillip Thurston – Bonnethead Shark

Hard Luck Award
Drake Wu – For wanting to go fast!

Jean & June Klausing Sportsmanship Award
Francisco Medina – For catching a kayak

Augie Ferrigno Award – Largest Grey Snapper
Linnea Edwards - 1.0 lb

Largest Shark Award
Michael Neri – 20 lb Shark

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported the 29th Annual Don Moore Grunt Tournament. Your generosity and enthusiasm help MARC continue its mission of empowering adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities through meaningful programs and services.

We look forward to seeing everyone back on the water next year for another fantastic tournament! 🎣

Bee Grundhoefer