Kids fishing tournaments at the Boca Grande Pier will continue in 2012 to advance a hallowed Gasparilla Island tradition.
The last free Boca Grande fishing tournament of this tourist season for youth ages 15 and under will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5.
Credit organizers Robert Green and Joseph Wier of the Lee County Recreation Department with regenerating enthusiasm in 2011 after the last 2010 tourney was lost when Charlotte County closed the fishing pier,
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Joe Wier
Wier said credit is due other supporters, too.
"Thank you Boca Grande Marina for the bait and Charlotte County Community Services for the use of the fishing pier," Wier said.
The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center also play host to the last Youth Fishing Tournament of the season.
Fact Box
To Go
What: Youth Fishing Tournament
Where: Boca Grande Pier
When: 9-11 a.m. May 12
You should know: No lures allowed
Why: To teach fishing basics and have fun.
Contact: Call Joe Wier at 964-2564.
"Kids, grab your fishing pole and tackle box and come join the family fun," Wier said in a release. "Registration is not necessary - just be at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier on the north end of the island ready to fish by 9 a.m."
No lures are allowed in the catch-and-release tournament. Bait is provided by Boca Grande Marina. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian for this event. Prizes and awards will be given out.
2011 TOURNEY RESULTS
Ages 6-Under
Most fish: Joshua Sutcliffe
Biggest fish: John and Harrison Parent
Ages 7-9
Most fish: Tie, Anna Parent and Ben Schwertman
Biggest fish: Brady Bowe
Ages 10-15
Biggest fish: Collin Dow
Biggest fish boys: Bryan Schwertman
Biggest fish girls: Kayla Vaughn
