Cape kids get an early line on art of fishing

Mike LaRue helps his daughter Jennifer, 7, during the Kids All American Fishing Derby. The annual event brought more than 100 children to the Cape Coral Yacht Club fishing pier. Photo by Nancy Oben


Cape Coral's Kids All American Fishing Derby had young fishermen and women hooked on angling.

More than 100 children 5 to 15 and their families spent Saturday morning at the Cape Coral Yacht Club fishing pier, learning about angling and hoping to catch the biggest fish.

"It's not just throwing your rod out here," said Coby Palmer, city parks employee who helped put together the event. "It's learning how to fish. And they are learning from the best."

The annual event was in its 15th year. Kids could participate with an $8 entry fee. The fee included bait, a goodies bag, prizes and a lunch.

"We like fishing and we like getting the kids involved in it," said John Bertscht Jr., out with his grandson Johnathan, 5, and his family.

"I want to catch a dolphin," Johnathan said.

"As long as he has fun it's worth it," said William Heath, Johnathan's father.

The derby had awards for biggest fish, smallest fish, first fish and most fish caught.

Alexia Cedrone, 8, was hoping to win the biggest fish award.

Alexia likes to fish "because then you get fish and it's fun to look at them."

The event had help from professionals. Volunteers from West Marine walked the dock helping kids.

"Not only do we have our future anglers," said Terry Hale, district manager of West Marine for Southwest Florida. "We are starting them off on the right foot from a conservation perspective."

The fishing derby was a catch-and-release event.

"(It's) a biology lesson of everything that lives in the Caloosahatchee," said George Howell, a volunteer and charter boat captain. "As they become really into fishing they realize the healthier the environment is, the healthier the fishing is."