Hooker fishing derby is ‘all about the kids’
Living up their its legacy of being “hooked on education” the members of the Matlacha Hookers will again support programs at Pine Island Elementary School as they present the 12th annual Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament and Derby. This year, as in years past, the Hookers vow that this event will be “all about the kids” as much of the focus for this event will be on the children. In addition to an adult competition, a wide variety of activities are also geared to elementary school aged children. The highlight of the event scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 17, will be a special fishing competition just for the children. The derby will be staged at the Olde Fish House Marina docks in Matlacha. Each year, more than 100 students from Pine Island Elementary School have participated and to ensure that the competition is played on an even field, the children will compete in age appropriate groups. Beginning the daylong event, fishing first from 8 to 10 a.m. will be the “Shrimp” comprised of children currently attending kindergarten and first grade. Next up will be the “Pinfish”, second and third graders, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and winding up the derby competition will be the “Sharks” with fourth and fifth grade students who will fish from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The Kid’s Derby is open to all area children and to participate, children attending PIE can fish for a $30 donation and those not currently enrolled at the island school will pay $35 to participate. The cost of registration will include a free rod and reel, lunch and two beverages and a variety of free activities provided by members of the Hookers throughout the day. Lunch for the children will consist of hamburgers, hot dogs and chips provided by JD Hollway from the Waterfront restaurant in St. James City and will be prepared to order on site. Prizes also will be awarded to children in each of the three divisions in first, second and third place. In addition, all children participating will also be in the running for a new bicycle. Four lucky children will be awarded a bicycle and helmet just for fishing during the derby.
The rules for this year’s competition are simply, each child participating must have paid the registration fee and live bait will be provided and it must be the only bait used by the children. Hookers serving as Derby Deputies will assist the children during the competition and Mr. Fix It will help with hook tying and untangling of lines.
While awaiting the announcement of the winners of the derby, the children can have their faces painted, decorate their own T-shirt to take home with them and help to create a mosaic wall hanging that, when completed, will be donated to Pine Island Elementary School.
“Each year, many of our Pine Island children are able to fish thanks to the generosity of island residents who sponsor children for the derby. In today’s economic climate, we know it will be difficult for some parents to come up with the registration fee, so again we are asking for the kind people of the area to sponsor a child from Pine Island Elementary School,” said Hooker Madam, Robin Lily. “It is our hope that every child who wants to fish has the opportunity and I feel confident that, with the help of the community, we can make it happen.”
Children can register the day before the event at the Olde Fish House Marina from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, pre-register online at matlachahookers.org and click on the tournament link or at the registration booth on the day of the event.
For more information or to sponsor a child, contact Sherry Schulte at 357-2309 or 283-8025.