Kid’s Fishing Tournaments South Florida April May June July August October 2012

The Bass Fishing Kids tournament trail started in 2002 by Gary Waingrow and Bob Newland offers fish-from-the-bank tournaments for youths ages 5 to 17 that are held at parks in Palm Beach and Broward counties.

The first tournament of the season in Palm Beach County will be March 31 based at the Micanopy Pavilion in Okeeheelee Park.

Parents should note that they can’t just show up and fish. Preregistration is required.

Young anglers must sign up for each tournament in advance. The sign-up deadline is the Friday before the Saturday morning events.

Parents and kids show up at each tournament at 7 a.m. Fishing is from 7:30 a.m. until 10::30 a.m.

A few key points about rules: Parents cannot fish but can help land fish; anglers must stay out of the water; bass must be kept alive; largemouth and peacock bass count; only artificial baits are allowed; there’s a 10-inch minimum size and a five-bass limit.

Young anglers compete in the Small Fry (ages 5-10) and Junior (ages 11-17) divisions.

The per-season registration fee of $25 per angler includes a goodie bag full of fishing tackle as well as a measuring device and a bag for carrying bass in water to the scales.

Shakespeare rods with reels and tackle packs are awarded to winning anglers at each tournament. The winner of the Classic receives a Pond Prowler boat with electric trolling motor and battery.

Source: Palm Beach Post