Kid’s Fishing Derby set for Saturday
The popular annual Kid’s All American Fishing Derby will be held this Saturday at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.
The event will run from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with check-in at 7:30 a.m.
It is the ninth year for the event. Only 100 children can participate, so Cape Coral Parks & Recreation officials are asking that you register now if you want your child to be part of the event.
The derby will include fishing, angler education, awards and lunch, an incredibly fun-filled morning, said Colby Palmer, recreation specialist for the City of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department.
“It’s a lot of fun for the kids, and we have a lot of people donate their time, volunteer for that day and donate things as well.” Participants, from age 5 to 15, will get to meet real boating captains, be eligible for all kinds of prizes and even get a ‘fishing goodie bag.’
“I grew up in New York, fishing wasn’t a big part of my life, but it is down here,” said Palmer. “Teaching children at a young age how to properly fish is an important part of the Parks & Recreation Department.”
Trophies will be given in the following categories:
* Most Fish
* Smallest Fish
* Biggest Fish
Bait will be provided, but participants must bring their own fishing rod and tackle.
“I’d like to have them pre-registered up until Friday,” Palmer said. “We may take walk-ins but we are only accepting the first 100 children.”
Many in the community will be there to make it a special day.
“I’d like to thank in advance some of the volunteers and our sponsors. West Marine will donate a lot of stuff for giveaways, such as fishing poles and about 10 of their staff members are volunteering that day. Capt. George Howell will speak to the kids before we start fishing, talking about proper casting, how to bait their hook and fishing safety as well. He’s a charter captain who comes out of the Yacht Club. He does a lot of classes for us through the year.
“Captain Rob’s Bait & Tackle is a sponsor donating bait for us. KC’s River Stop Restaurant is also donating bait. Catch’Um Bait & Tackle is donating fishing rods and artificial lures and shrimp as well. Upper Crust Pizzaria & Wine Bar is providing pizza for the event.
“The whole thing doesn’t work unless people in the community pitch in. We’re very grateful for that.”
The cost is $8 per child and includes a pizza lunch. Parents can have lunch for $2.50 each.
To register, call 574-0806. The Cape Coral Yacht Club is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.