Smiles were the catch of the day during the annual Kiwanis Take a Kid Fishing event as families and little ones gathered along the catwalk under the Barber Bridge and peered over the railing, watching children drop their lines into the lagoon.
The Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast has hosted the free event for more than 30 years to introduce children to the joy of fishing while encouraging an outdoor activity.
Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club and students from the Charter High School Key Club – a youth division of Kiwanis – baited hooks and reeled catches for those not wanting fishy fingers. They were kept busy measuring, unhooking and releasing the more than 150 fish caught during the two-hour event.
This year, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Officer was on hand to answer questions, along with two International Game Fish Association Junior World record holders, who assisted the children, taught them how to tie knots and told some fish tales.
“When you hear them catch their first fish ever, it just overwhelms you with emotion. There are really no words to describe it,” shared Mark Sammartino, event chair, noting that the joy is felt in equal measures with children and volunteers alike.
“We do it for the laughter and the camaraderie,” said Sammartino.
After all the lines were pulled out of the water, the children gathered for lunch provided by David Vatland and an awards ceremony. Prizes were awarded for the biggest fish, smallest fish, ugliest fish, most unique fish, prettiest fish and the most fish caught.
The local Kiwanis Club was founded in 1973 and continues to promote the global organization’s mission of “improving the world one child and one community at a time.” Locally, they fundraise through golf tournaments, special projects, business sponsorships, and private donations to support various projects and local nonprofit organizations that help children.
The club meets every Wednesday at Noon at the Vero Beach Yacht Club except in July. For more information, visit VeroKiwanis.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
