Kids learn about fishing skills and ethics and win prizes at the free derby.
Have kids? Go fish!
Kids who are able to hold their own fishing pole may participate in the free fifth annual “Ding” Darling Kids Fishing Derby to be held on the south side of Sanibel Causeway Islands Park (Island A, closest to the mainland) on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) cosponsor the event as part of this year’s Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit at the refuge, Oct. 28-Dec. 8.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on the causeway. Kids ages 15 and younger start fishing at 9 a.m. and finish at 11 a.m. The awards ceremony is at 11:30.
Judges will record catches during the fishing session. Once the results are tallied, they will award winners in two age groups: 10 to 15 and 9 and younger. Based upon total inches of fish caught, prizes will go to first, second, and third place winners, plus there will be awards for the largest and smallest fish hooked in both age categories.
Participants should bring fishing poles, but the refuge will provide a limited number of loaner poles for those who do not have their own equipment. Bait will be provided.
Throughout the day, volunteers and staff will teach fishing skills and safe, ethical fishing practices.
For more information or to volunteer for Kids Fishing Derby, contact Ranger Becky Larkins at [email protected] or 239-472-1100 ext. 236.
