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Kids Fishing Derby: Cape Coral Kiwanis Club to host annual tourney

2 min read

Cape Coral’s highly popular annual Kiwanis Kids’ Fishing Derby is anticipating nearly 400 youngsters, ages 5-15, to attend at the Yacht Club fishing pier on March 29.

It’s the 26th year that the Cape Coral Kiwanis Club has organized the event and as always encourages parents to accompany their children. Children younger than 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

“It’s fun for me when a guy comes up to me and says he was one of those 9-year-olds that fished with us and now he’s bringing his kid,” said event director Wally Laumeyer. “Kids are so appreciative. A lot of them come by and thank us.”

Rods, reels and bait are provided for each child to use and can take home a rod and reel. Kiwanis will be giving away 15 brand new bicycles purchased with its retail store profits.

“Girls are actually better at fishing at this age because they are more patient,” said Laumeyer.

Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, rain or shine, and concludes at 11:30 a.m. Everything if free and no advance registration is necessary. Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third largest fish plus one for the smallest.

Kids will be able to have a photo taken with their fish and receive an ID card that resembles a driver’s license.

The mission of event is to get more kids involved in fishing. If you know any kids who might be interested then help them attend.

“If we keep just one kid our of trouble by offering a positive alternative, then it is time and effort well spent,” said Laumeyer. “Besides, the smiles on the faces are priceless.”

For more information call Laumeyer at 772-8678.