Kid’s fishing derby set for Saturday
Spaces are still available to register for the Kid’s All American Fishing Derby on Saturday.
Hosted by the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, the event will kick off at 8 a.m. at the beach pavilion at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. The derby costs $8 and is open to youth ages 5-15.
“We can take 100 children,” Barbara Dickinson, manager at the Cape yacht club, said.
As of Thursday, about 70 children had registered to take part.
Participants must bring their own rod and reel; bait will be provided.
“We’ve been doing the derby for 13 years,” she said. “It’s catch and release.”
The event opens with a 15-minute educational lesson on angling from Capt. George Howell, a local charter fishing captain. The children next go over the rules, then get to fish for an hour and a half.
Afterward, participants will return to the pavilion for lunch and an awards ceremony.
Trophies are handed out for first place and runner up for the largest fish caught, smallest fish caught and the most fish caught in two different age categories – ages 5 to 10, and ages 11 to 15.
“The smallest is usually about 2 inches,” Dickinson said.
She estimated that the largest fish caught was about 14 inches to 15 inches.
“They catch a lot of puffer fish down here,” she added.
Lunch consists of hot dogs, chips and drinks and is included in the entry fee.
Siblings or relatives not taking part in the derby can buy lunch for $2.50 per person.
Door prizes will be given away for items like tackle boxes and fishing poles.
“Every child will get a goodie bag,” Dickinson added.
She suggested that participants sign up in advance so they reserve a spot.
“So no one is disappointed,” Dickinson said.
The Cape Coral Yacht Club offers a fishing camp and kayak fishing camp for children, and the derby offers youth the chance to try their hand at the sport to see if it is something they are interested in.
“It’s something for the children to get their feet wet and see if it’s something they enjoy,” she said.
Dickinson called the event a “great family activity.”
“I think they love it. It’s a fun fun event,” she said. “We’ve had children come back every year.”
To register or for information, call (239) 574-0806.
The Cape Coral Yacht Club is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.