Fish on
Proceeds from a new fishing tournament will benefit a camp scholarship fund for youth. The first-ever Adam Strongin Kids Fishing Tournament will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, from 7 a.m. to noon at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. The fundraiser will feed the Adam Strongin Camp Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to children so they can attend Rotary Park’s Eco-Adventure Nature Camp for free.
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife oversees the scholarship fund.
“Adam frequented this camp. It was his passion,” his mother, Elizabeth “Liz” Krakow, said on Thursday. “They teach them about the environment. He was one of their most energetic campers.”
Adam died on Feb. 22, 2014, at age 12. He was electrocuted by an ungrounded boat.
“My son has always loved to fish and always loved to be outside,” she said.
This year, the Adam Strongin Camp Scholarship Fund enabled a dozen children to participate in the Eco-Adventure Nature Camp. Last year, the scholarship fund sent 10 youth to the summer camp.
Open to children up to age 16, the fishing tournament is catch-and-release.
“It’s whatever they can bring up with their rod,” Krakow said. “There will be trophies.”
First, second and third place will be recognized in two age groups – ages 8 and under, and children ages 9-16 – for the Biggest Fish Caught, the Smallest Fish Caught and the Most Fish Caught.
The top winners will receive a trophy, along with a fishing rod and reel. The second place winners will take home a fishing rod and reel, and the third place winners will earn a tackle box, with tackle gear.
“We wanted to give more kids an opportunity to walk away with something,” she said.
The entry fee is $15 per child and includes an event T-shirt, hat, lunch and bait.
“They have to bring their own rod and reel,” Krakow said.
Participants can register up to the tournament, but a per-registration deadline has been set for Oct. 9. Organizers explained that pre-registering children ensures they get the right size T-shirt and hat.
As of Thursday, approximately 10 children had registered.
“I would like to have at least 25,” she said.
Krakow hopes to contribute at least $2,000 to the scholarship fund.
During the tournament, a silent auction will take place at the pavilion at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Proceeds from the auction will also go toward the Adam Strongin Camp Scholarship Fund.
“All these items will be sitting out on display,” Krakow said.
Some of the items up for bid include spa gifts, a pirate cruise for four, kayak rentals, painting classes, photography packages, a two-night hotel stay and donated artwork, as well as themed gift baskets.
Cash and checks will be accepted.
“I think it’s going to be a fun, even if you’ve never fished or if you know it’s something that you enjoy,” she said. “It’s just going to be a fun event and it’s in memory of someone to help raise funds for kids.”
To register, contact Krakow at lizzard1@centurylink.net or (239) 691-3091.
All checks and money orders should be made payable to the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.
Details on the Adam Strongin Kids Fishing Tournament are available on Facebook.
The Cape Coral Yacht Club is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.