FORT MYERS BEACH — Get your fishing pole and head to Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café for the Annual 4th of July Kid’s Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 2. For 30 years this event is presented by the Ostego Bay Foundation and Marine Science Center in cooperation with many local businesses. 

“Here fishy fish” echoes the children at the docks of Bonita Bill’s. Many of us will never forget the memories of the excitement of something nibbling on the line and landing that first little trophy. The Ostego Bay Foundation helps create this memory with a free family event. Children ages from 3-15, assisted by dads, moms, grandpa’s and great great grandpa’s, aunts and uncles are challenged to catch the most, the longest, and the heaviest catch. Award winners include trophy’s and prizes. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cannon announces the start at 9 a.m. and runs to noon with 3 rules: One pole per child, one hook per pole and have fun. A lunch at noon with a hot dog, chips and cookies followed by the awards, all without cost to the participants. Our young fisherman is assisted by members of the Tarpon Hunters Club and treats of watermelon throughout the morning.

Joanne Semmer President of Ostego Bay Foundation Inc. stated, “The goal of this event is to bring families together and introduce our children to the excitement and wonder of our marine life. With lessons learned, they shared the beauty of our natural area. We are grateful to all our community partners who share our ideals and continue their support every year which makes this event possible and creates lasting childhood memories.”

Not to compete with the many other 4th of July festivities, the Fishing Tournament is always held the Saturday before July 4th and has become a family tradition on San Carlos Island.

Founded in 1991, the Ostego Bay Foundation, Inc. is 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization. The mission of the Ostego Bay Foundation, Inc. is to promote the understanding, preservation and enhancement of our unique marine environment through education, research, and community involvement. Visit www.OstegoBay.org to learn how you can become a member or call 239-765-8101 to learn more about the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center.