TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Kids Go Hook, Line, Sinker For Fish Fest

ADVERTISEMENT

By CARL ORTH The Suncoast News

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - More than 400 youngsters ages 5 through 12 lined the riverbank at Sims Park on Saturday for the annual YMCA Kids Fishing Festival.

The family outing attracted people from all over Pasco County, including Danny Tew from Trinity and his two daughters, Olivia and Morgin.

Jasmine Elovich, 5, of New Port Richey, caught her first fish, her proud grandpa, James, said.

Eight-year-old Isaac Rodriguez, also from New Port Richey, landed three fish, as mom Walaeska and older brother Franklyn cheered him on.

Matthew Watkins, 5-year-old son of Dennis Watkins of Holiday, was among contestants who preserved memories of their catches before throwing the fish back into the river. Ink impressions of the fish were made on cloths that the youths could take home.

With the help of sponsors, children received a new rod and reel, tackle, bait bucket, T-shirt and lunch for a donation of $10. YMCA scholarship recipients fished for free.

Christian Blackburn won first place among boys during the first session Saturday morning.

Jason Hernandez caught the biggest fish; Scott Pirozzi caught the smallest fish; and Isaac Rodriguez caught the most fish.

Among girl contestants, Sophie Viera took first place. Lexi Michaud landed the biggest fish while Alexis Brooks had the smallest fish.

Staff from James P. Gills Family YMCA in the Trinity area and the New Port Richey SunTrust YMCA put on the annual event. Julio Vega, West Pasco operations director based at the Gills YMCA, led the team.

The Fish On Fishing Club rigged about 450 poles for the young contestants. Chet Jasak of the club measured all fish. Danielle Girouard also served in the measurement tent.

Pasco Commissioner Michael Cox helped cook hot dogs for lunch as part of the Gary Joyner crew, which included volunteers Chris Chittum, Zach Drewes, Mike Voorhees and others. Gulf High School Navy Junior ROTC helped serve lunch.

To see the entire gallery of more than two dozen photos, go online to the Suncoast News site at http://www.suncoast news.tbo.com/pasco/ and use this link: http://snap.tbo.com/pages/gallery.php?gallery=33008.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT