The 26th annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby is set for Sept. 24 at the Lorelei in Islamorada. There is no charge to enter, but anglers must be age 10 or under and be Monroe County residents.
The three fishing divisions include shoreline, backcountry and offshore with awards for three age divisions: 4 and under, 5-7 and 8-10. The first 100 registered anglers are guaranteed ditty bags. Sign up at Tackle Center of Islamorada or at the Lorelei, or you can find the application on Keys Kids Fishing Derby Facebook page.
Shoreline fishing will be allowed at the Lorelei with waters chummed by Tackle Center of Islamorada. Bait for shoreline anglers will be supplied by Tackle Center of Islamorada and there will be plenty of folks on hand to help bait hooks and tie lines. Each angler will receive a fishing rod.
Ditty bags and free donuts are available, thanks to Lorelei, after 7 a.m. Lines are in at 9 a.m. and weigh-in closes promptly at 1 p.m. Free hot dogs and drinks will be supplied from Lorelei and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. There will be a casting contest starting at 11 a.m.
Key Breeze Engraving awards are sponsored by IFACT, prints by artist Pasta Pantaleo and other prizes will be given to winners on the Lorelei beach at 2 p.m. To help defray event costs, those interested in donating can make checks out to the nonprofit Islamorada Charter Boat Association and mail to P.O. Box 462, Islamorada, FL 33036. For more information, call Dianne Harbaugh at 305-522-4868.
