It’s exciting when a child baits a hook or ties on a fly, casts, patiently waits and then reels one in—and that goes for the angler as well as the adult with the child! Indeed, many of the best childhood stories stem from the shoreline, pier or boat with a fishing rod in hand.

“One of my favorite childhood memories is heading to the Matlacha Bridge [on Pine Island Road] for fishing,” says Mark Miller of North Fort Myers, who now takes his two children there to fish. Florida’s called the “Fishing Capital of the World” and “No. 1 Fishing Destination in North America”—thanks to its more than 3 million acres of lakes and ponds, 12,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 8,000 miles of coastline. For license info, go to myfwc.com/license.

Southwest Florida waters offer plenty of opportunities to catch saltwater species such as grouper, redfish, snook, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout and tarpon. Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish are found in local lakes such as Lake Trafford in Immokalee. Children also can participate in youth fishing tournaments and join fishing clubs.

The Bobby Holloway Memorial Fishing Tournament annually draws about 75 children up to age 13. Many youth fish with volunteer captains, who provide gear; others go with their families in tournament boats. “The youth division fishes for the biggest snook, redfish and trout. A trophy is awarded for the biggest fish caught,” says board member Jenn Erickson.

In its Lil Bobber division, kids 8 to 13 get a point for each fish caught of any species. The most fish caught wins first through fifth place. The tournament is set for April 10, 2021, at Pineland Marina, 13921 Waterfront Drive in Bokeelia. For info, visit hollowaytourney.org.

Cape Coral Bass Club, 1623 SW 6th Ave, promotes families fishing together and holds 29 annual events. Family membership is $40. There are also tournaments open to the public. Some events are held outside the Cape Coral area. Check out capecoralbassclub.com.

Flatsmasters Annual Youth Tournament is held each November under the auspices of Smuggler's Event Management, LLC, located at 150 Laishley Court, Unit 121, in Punta Gorda. Call 941-637-5953 or go to flatsmasters.com.

Gasparilla Island Kids Class Tarpon Tournament is for those 15 and under. Entry fees are donated to local charities. Events will take place throughout the day on June 5, 2021; the awards presentation, food, drinks and entertainment follow. Info is at bocagrandecharities.org.

Junior Bass Assassins Club is a Lee County-based high school fishing club affiliated with The BASS Nation and competes throughout Florida. To find out more, call Glenn Cale at 863-255-1324 or email [email protected].

Lehigh Acres Bass Club welcomes all ages; members come from Lehigh, Alva and other areas and enjoy tournaments, competitions and more. Email [email protected].

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.

Piers, Parks and Places to Fish