This Saturday commemorates the 8th annual Brett T. Bailey Mako Rodeo charity shark fishing tournament in Brielle. For me, it’s a weekend of revelry, remembrances and immense pride spent with dear friends and supporters of a great cause. That is keeping the memory and spirit of Brett, our brother and best bud, broker in a wet suit (and so much more) alive.

After we lost Brett on 9/11, my friend Art Dellasalla and Brett’s family established the tournament and charity foundation in Brett’s name. Ever since, they have not wavered in their determination to establish the “BTB Mako Rodeo” not only as the cornerstone of an impactful foundation, but also as a permanent fixture in the slate of real deal, big game Jersey Shore fishing tournaments.

Reason being, it would have been Brett’s wish to “go big or go home,” and every year they’ve delivered on both levels. The foundation has raised thousands of dollars to support various charity organizations, primarily benefiting the families of our volunteer New Jersey National Guard, and in 2007 the Foundation received the Governor’s Award from Gov. Jon Corzine.

And the tournament has become known for putting big fish on the scales. In 2008, a 402lb Mako weighed in at the Brielle Yacht Club by the crew of the ‘Matador’. Other notable catches included a 301 pound Mako by the crew of the ‘Insufficient Funds I’, a 226 pound Mako boated by the crew of the ‘Katie Claire,’ a 217 pound Mako taken by the ‘Mary Lou Crew,’ and a 211 pounder caught by the ‘Kingfisher.’

The tournament will begin on Friday evening of 6/12 with the Captain’s meeting at 6:00 PM at The Union Landing and Brielle Yacht Club. A full day of Mako fishing takes place on Saturday 6/13 with final results concluding 7pm Saturday. Final weigh in is at 7:00 PM at The Brielle Yacht Club.

Fishing is followed, by an evening of fun, food and beverage, silent auctions, raffles and awards at Simko’s Bar and Grill. The dinner at Simkos starts at 7pm and all are welcome.