The Wakulla Children’s Fishing Tournament Committee is hoping to build a love for fishing in young people through the Annual Wakulla Children’s Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

The event organizers are seeking sponsors for the tournament which is free to children ages 3 to 15.  Organizers are hoping for more than 300 girls and boys to come to Woolley Park in Panacea to take part in the event.  Festivities begin at 7am at Port Panacea Marina and later in the day at Woolley Park in Panacea.

Sheriff Donnie Crum and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office have helped organize the event for several years.  “This is a great opportunity for boys and girls to learn something about the sport of fishing and enjoy an activity that may become a lifelong hobby,” said Sheriff Crum.  “Fishing is something that people can enjoy well into their retirement years.”

The last tournament fleet boat will leave the dock from Port Panacea Marina at 8:30 a.m. and the weigh-in at Woolley Park will be held from 10am until 2pm.  Lunch will be provided to all participants at Woolley Park from 11am until 3pm.

Youths not going out on a family boat or with one of the fleet of volunteer captains may fish from any safe location and bring their catch to Woolley Park.  The freshwater divisions include:  bass, pan fish and catfish.  Saltwater categories include:  white trout, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder and whiting.  No grouper, snapper, amberjack, sharks, rays, hard head or sailfish will be considered.

All anglers will receive a tournament T-shirt at the registration table.  Parents or guardians of children must sign a release form before children board a tournament vessel.  Children age five to eight must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and they must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Youths will not only receive a T-shirt and lunch, but an opportunity to participate in games and win trophies as well.  Prizes will be given away including fishing poles and tackle boxes.

As is true with so many volunteer events, organizers are looking for sponsors.  Your contribution of $50 or more will help ensure the success of the tournament.  The tournament may be cancelled due to poor weather.

All donations to support the tournament will be welcomed. Donations may be made to:  Wakulla Children’s Fishing Tournament, P.O. Box 349, Panacea, FL 32346-0349.

For more information, call Lt. Billy Jones of the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 745-7108.

Written by :

kblackmar

 

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