The 'reel' world: Families catch fish, fun in first city tournament

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Children took home trophies in Ormond Beach's first-ever catch-and-release fishing contest last weekend.

BY WAYNE GRANT | STAFF WRITER

Kids were yanking fish out of the water left and right Saturday, in Ormond Beach's first-ever Reel in the Fun Fishing Tournament for children ages 4-12, on the walkway under the west end of the Halifax River Bridge.

As soon as a fish was reeled in, it was photographed and weighed by the judges and then returned to the water. Many of the fish reeled in were bait fish and were not counted because only game fish were eligible.

The children were getting a good lesson in fishing, according to Mike Demchak, community events coordinator for the city.

“They have an adult supervisor, so they’re learning skills,” he said. “They’re learning the difference between bait fish and game fish. Plus, they’re out with the family and having fun.”

He said 24 teams were entered. Each team had one adult and up to two kids. Trophies were awarded in three different age groups.

Bethany Fulghum, who was there with her husband, Levi, and children Ben and Abigail, looked around and took in the bright morning.

“I like how the bait shop is right there,” she said. “This is a beautiful area.”

WINNERS:

AGES 4, 5, 6

First Place — Abigail Fulghum, 11 oz. sheephead

Second Place — Leah Loncala, 7 oz. mangrove snapper, Tiebreaker, Most Fish

Third Place — Nick Malik, 7 oz. mangrove snapper

AGES 7, 8, 9

First Place — Jacob Williams, 16 oz. whiting

Third Place — Jet Teters, 9 oz. redfish

AGES 10, 11, 12