Kiwanis Kids Fishing Derby: Annual free fishing tourney April 9
Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral is prepared for up to 325 kids showing up for the 28th Kids Fishing Derby at the Cape Coral Yacht Club pier on April 9.
“A number of volunteers were helping us put together the 325 rods and reels that we give the kids,” said coordinator Pam Woodruff, who with her husband David have organized their first Fishing Derby for the club. “On the day of the derby there will be 25 to 30 volunteers helping out, and they are not all Kiwanis members. They just want to help.”
Wally Laumeyer, who conceived and organized the first 27 Kids Fishing Derby events, had been wanting to retire for the last couple of years. This year, the Woodruffs took it over.
“We knew he was ready to give it up so we decided to jump in and help,” said Pam Woodruff. “I enjoy promoting good quality family and recreational sports, after all Kiwanis is all about the kids.”
Kiwanians purchase the rods and reels from Zebco each year and put together a number of door prizes to be given out at the end of the fishing – 8:30 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m. No advance registration is required. Kids ages 5-15 accompanied by an adult can just show up, pick up a rod and reel, a prize ticket and go fishing.
Members of the Cape High Key Club and the Action Club from Special Populations are volunteering to help distribute bait throughout the day. Kids are encouraged to measure each and every fish they catch. They can have their picture taken with their fish before releasing the fish.
Prizes include Sun Splash passes, Zoomers passes, gift certificates to movie theaters and two bicycles. Trophies are awarded to the boys and girls with the biggest fish, the most fish and the smallest fish.
“Wally gave away a bunch of brand new bicycles each year, but we decided to try something new,” said Woodruff.
The mission of the Kiwanis Club is to get more kids involved in fishing.
“We’re trying to get kids interested in fishing as a hobby and develop a love for fishing that will last a lifetime,” said Woodruff.
That mission has been successful for the past 27 years and the Woodruffs want to keep it that way for years to come.
Anyone who knows a child who might be interested in a fun day of fishing, even for the first time, the Woodruffs encourage them to help that kid attend.
The Yacht Club is located at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.