VERO BEACH — With wide-eyed wonder and grins of accomplishment, children excitedly marched up to organizers of the Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast Take a Kid Fishing event, ready to have their wiggly catches measured, counted and tossed back to swim another day.
For more than 20 years, Kiwanis Club members have hosted the morning fishing frenzy for elementary school-aged children, traditionally held on the first Saturday in June.
Invitational flyers are sent schools and organizations such as the Homeless Family Center, Youth Guidance, Hibiscus Children’s Center and the Boys and Girls Club.
“As long as I can remember, we’ve been doing it. It’s evolved over the years,” said Club president Jeff Meyers. “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces is the best part.”
More than 200 eager anglers lined the fishing catwalk under the Barber Bridge, peering over the railing and squealing with delight as they hoisted their hauls.
There is usually some trepidation over the “icky” parts – baiting the hooks and handling their wriggling catches, but most quickly overcome their qualms.
“My long-term Kiwanians are the ones who make this work – thank goodness,” said event co-chair Jason Kittendorf, crediting members such as Al Sammartino for his steadfast support.
“It’s been a good thing; these kids really enjoy it,” said co-chair Jim Wolfe. “Some of these kids haven’t even seen the river before.”
Kiwanis volunteers have it down to a science – lending the 170 rods they’ve purchased over the years, measuring and marking catches, removing hooks from the hapless creatures, and cutting up approximately 100 pounds of bait shrimp, donated by Vero’s Tackle and Marina, Wabasso Tackle, and Professional Outfitters.
Children are categorized into two age groups, with winners in each given a brand new fishing pole for the most fish caught and the biggest fish. Plaques were given for the ugliest fish.
“Oh that’s an ugly one for sure,” said Sammartino, marking off an oyster cracker fish caught by 9-year-old Zack Bird and adding with a laugh, “You want to kiss it goodbye?”
There were no real whoppers this year (other than a few good fish tales) with most catches being grunts, mangrove snappers and oyster crackers.
One of the more impressive was a 10-inch snapper landed by Monrreal brothers Sean, age 6, and Ensof, age 9.
Ryan Achin, age 11, said, “I was sort of going for the ugliest,” as he showed what would likely be the longest – a creepy looking 22-inch eel.
“I caught a seahorse last time, and I almost caught a crab,” said 6-year old Dyllon Martin with a great big smile, waiting for a nibble with the patience and persistence of a seasoned fisherman.
“I’m on fire!” crowed 7-year-old Christopher Clanton, who had already caught a dozen and kept reeling them in.
“I caught it; I caught it!” exclaimed Layla Gowe jumping up and down about her second 9-inch snapper. “I think it’s the same fish!”
If there had been a prize for prettiest it would have gone to the Nelson brothers, Ryan, 6 and Michael, 14, who hooked a beautiful spade fish.
Immediately afterward, participants were all treated to a fish-free cook-out of burgers and hot dogs.
The Kiwanis Club sponsors a variety of community service and fundraising events throughout the year, providing volunteer and financial support to numerous local nonprofits, and this year giving eight $1,000 college scholarships to high school seniors.
