I am proud to report that the 2024 OAPB Kid’s Day of Fishing was a success!
We spent the morning of July 13 aboard Fish City Pride drift boat right out front of the Hillsboro Inlet. We had 7 volunteers from OAPB assisting the group of participants baiting hooks, working the reels, and helping the kids bring fish on the boat.
We also took time to educate the group on FWC regulations for the different species of fish, and which ones would need to go back in the water. It is important they understand how to fish safely and also sustainably.
Many from the group were nervous and apprehensive at first, but they quickly warmed up and started enjoying themselves. It was so cool to see them get excited when they got a fish on the line, and getting comfortable holding the fish and posing for pictures.
After a 4-hour experience on the boat, we took the group back to have their fish fileted. They were excited about taking their catches home to cook that evening.
Once we were done, we walked across the street to the Hillsboro Inlet Park where another group of volunteers were set up for lunch donated by a local McDonalds.
After lunch, we were excited to give the group their very own rod and reel combo, compliments of Shimano, and a “swag bag” filled with other fun fishing gear and cool stuff from our generous sponsors.
I had several of the kids and young adults ask me when we could do this again. I asked if they enjoyed the day and received a resounding “YES!” from the group. It was such a heart-warming feeling knowing we could give this group a fun and educational day that they will always remember.
We appreciate the partnership with FLITE Center of Boward County for helping make this day a reality for these well-deserving young people.
A big thank you to the following companies and people for your generous donations:
- Shimano for the rod and reel combo – the kids are excited to keep practicing their new hobby!
- McDonalds – delicious lunch
- Fish City Pride – discounted private charter boat
And to the following companies for donating items to the swag bag:
- Kraken Yacht Wraps
- Big Dog Tackle
- Fish Angler
- Loucks Engineering
- ASI – Aeronautical Systems Inc
- Sugared & Iced Florida
- OpenText Cybersecurity
- Transformation through Conversations
- Holly B Hunt
- Pelagic
- Jenni Galludett – Keller Williams
- Sea Tow of Fort Lauderdale
Please be sure to patronize these companies and small businesses when you get the chance!
And a special shout out to our OAPB members who volunteered on the boat:
- Shaughn Miller, OAPB President
- Mike Leach
- Gina Ceccolini
- Brent Miller
- Mike Cleary, Fish Angler
- Matt Gonzalez
- Brian Vieau
- Holly Hunt, Event Organizer
And for the lunch set-up volunteers:
- Mike Preston
- Carolyn Stash
- Muriel Smith
It was truly a group effort to make this day a reality, and I am thankful for all who donated their time and money to the OAPB Fishing Foundation.
Looking forward to making this an annual event!
Best,
Holly B. Hunt
Kid’s Day Fishing Chair