First ‘Batfish Bash’ at Rookery Bay

Dave Graff of Rookery Bay The Real Batfish is the Polka-dot Batfish (Ogcocephalus radiates) a sluggish, triangular-shaped fish that relies on camouflage and slow, stealthy movements to sneak up on food. Batfish, which can grow up to 15 inches, have pectoral fins underneath that help it to "walk" across the bottom. The batfish uses its esca (lure) to attract small prey towards its mouth. The esca juts out just below the rostrum (the point on the fish's head) and wiggles or twitches to catch the attention of a small fish, crab or shrimp. Once within range, the batfish's lips shoot forward and down to slurp up the unsuspecting meal. Several batfish species can be found in sub-tropical waters around the world, and this species is commonly caught while trawling in Rookery Bay.

Eating delicious Old Florida fare, dancing the “batfish boogie,” and bidding on “wild” trips and nature experiences such as shark tagging in the silent auction will highlight the Friends of Rookery Bay’s first “Batfish Bash” at 6:30 p.m., March 27, at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

The event will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while strolling the aquariums and art gallery, views of sunset from the new Pedestrian Bridge, followed by dinner and dancing on the back lawn.

Call 262-0015 for the $150 tickets or rookerybay.org/batfishbash for more information, the invitation, and the auction brochure. Advance bid on items can be placed if persons can’t attend. Proceeds will benefit youth science education, research activities and outreach programs.

Sharda J. Spahr, a Friends of Rookery Bay Board member and 2010 Women of Initiative inductee, is chairperson.

“We have planned a casual evening to celebrate with our friends and make new ones,” Spahr says.

“The 110,000-acre Rookery Bay Reserve is important to all of us who enjoy living in Southwest Florida, and we invite everyone to support the scientists and educators whose work protects our coastal environment.”

Russell’s Clambakes will present food stations featuring Gulf Coast Seafood Gumbo, Bertha Lowdermilk’s “Wild Boar” (Roasted Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce), “Chokoloskee” Chicken (Grilled Skewered Chicken), Carved Beef Served with “Arthur Stewart’s” Swamp Cabbage, and a dessert station.

Music will be provided by local artists Raiford Starke and JRobert, who will present a lively mix of country rock, bluegrass, zydeco, rock and blues. The evening will include a song written specifically for the Batfish Bash.

The silent auction includes Rookery Bay exclusives, such as a Shark Tagging Trip for four, Trawling and Hauling Expedition for six, Private Guided Kayak Trip for 10, Guided Half-Day Back-Country Bicycle Trip for four, and Behind-the-Scenes and Feed the Fish Opportunity for six. Other offerings include a Raceboat Ride with 2009 World Champion Offshore Racer Dan Davies, Private 2-Hour Tour on the Captain Paul Catamaran for Up to 24 People, Don Day Fishing Trip to the Tortugas on Board a 30’ Contender, Half-Day Boat Rental at the Cedar Bay Marina, Swamp Buggy Tour for five in non-public areas of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Day with a Stone Crabber, Wine Tasting and Dinner for two in Paris, Two-Night Stay in the Penthouse Suite at Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa, and much more. The auction brochure is online at rookerybay.org/batfishbash.

The event is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, Morgan Keegan, David M. Jones and Associates, Life in Naples, Florida Weekly, Comcast and Artistic Science.

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