Photo Focus:  Golden Hook Hosts Annual Fishing Tournament for Kids

By Susan Ellis
-

Ever since the Golden Hook Fishing Club has been in existence – around 30 years – they have hosted a kid’s fishing tournament on the Christiansted waterfront with prizes, lunch, and educational materials. The event is co-sponsored by the St. Croix Environmental Association.

On Saturday, around 30 youths gathered, hurried to the water with spools and fishing line and cast their lines. At the end of the day, more than a dozen fish were caught and released. The largest fish was a 10-ounce Nassau Grouper.

People line up in the “hot spot” during Saturday’s contest. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
People line up in the “hot spot” during Saturday’s contest. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Eva Collazo, with DPNR’s Fish and Wildlife, handed out literature about fishing sustainably, Reef Responsible and gifts, Saturday. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Eva Collazo, with DPNR’s Fish and Wildlife, handed out literature about fishing sustainably, Reef Responsible and gifts, Saturday. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Joel Ureta, with the Golden Hook Club, cut up bait and weighed fish for the anglers. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Joel Ureta, with the Golden Hook Club, cut up bait and weighed fish for the anglers. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)

The competition began at 9 a.m. and ended promptly at 11 a.m. Along with Sergeant Majors, groupers, snappers, and grunts, a two-and-a-half ounce crab and a bristle worm were landed. The unusual sea creatures created a learning experience for the fishers and onlookers. At the end, a group picture was taken and prizes were given to participants.

Angie Estein brought three boys, Mathew Simmons, age 10, Jabmel Navarro, age 11 and Angel Valesquez, age 12, to participate. “They like to fish and know not to eat them or kill the fish,” she said. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Angie Estein brought three boys, Mathew Simmons, age 10, Jabmel Navarro, age 11 and Angel Valesquez, age 12, to participate. “They like to fish and know not to eat them or kill the fish,” she said. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Myka Ventura, age 5, caught a grouper and snapper - more than most of the older kids. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Myka Ventura, age 5, caught a grouper and snapper – more than most of the older kids. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
At the end of the competition, all of the anglers and adults, gathered for a photo before lunch and prizes. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
At the end of the competition, all of the anglers and adults gathered for a photo before lunch and prizes. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)