Delayed from its original date to provide a better experience with Mother Nature, the 17th annual Ron Sutton Memorial Kids Fishing Derby once again put rods and reels in the hands of dozens of Middle Keys kids to enjoy a free day of fishing on the reef aboard the Marathon Lady on June 18.
Renamed in 2023 to honor the former KCB commissioner who passed away in October 2022 after years of staunch support, the derby pitted children in three age divisions against each other for a morning of friendly competition trying to boat the largest fish of any species.
Later retiring to the Key Colony Inn for a lunch and afterparty, derby co-organizers Joey Raspe and Kris DiGiovanni led a team of volunteers and fundraising efforts to fill the banquet room with the massive raffles, giveaways and trophies that have become synonymous with the annual event – some of which were taller than their pint-sized recipients.
