In what can only be described as magical, the kids from the Lee County Florida Boys & Girls club participated in the first salt water C.A.S.T. event ever conducted in the Eastern Region. Directly across the street from the Pink Shell Beach Resort, 42 kids from Lee County, were greeted by boater Captains, sponsors and volunteers for what proved to be one of the best first time C.A.S.T. events I have ever attended. Florida Fishing Legends and ESPN Redfish Cup Champions of 2007 Al Keller and partner Bill Faulkner, who also writes for the Florida Sportsman, long time touring pro Bo Johnson of Lake and Bay Boats and many other local fishing icons were on hand to spend the morning teaching young kids the fine art of salt water angling. Captain Bob Pasqual of PURRE, People United to Restore our Rivers and Estuaries smiled passing out t-shirts and teaching the kids about future protection of our waterways. “It is all about the kids, they hold our future” he stated.
As an added bonus, Dolphin Boats owner Karl Zimmermann not only attended the day of fishing, but also provided one of the Dolphin Flats Boats for use during the event. “I am glad to be a part of this effort to spend the day with these kids” stated Zimmermann. “Kids need to have the opportunity to see what fishing is all about and with the C.A.S.T. event and our Dolphin Boats Pro Staff, we are happy to share our time and efforts with a very deserving group from the Boys & Girls Club,” he concluded.
At the heart of this first time effort was local promotions and marketing wiz Sandy Kostick, owner and Chief Idea Creator & Marketing Consultant for IDEAS. “I wish we could do a day of fishing every week for these kids” stated Ms. Kostick. ”This is a great group of kids and my when my friends and associates heard what we were doing today, they all wanted to be a part of our efforts. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help and support we have received and look forward doing other events in Southern Florida ” she added.
As the kids and their Captains returned to the Marina, stories of great catches and the ones that got away were being told to friends and families. “I can't believe I caught a big fish” said Kira Gandy, age 9 posing for pictures with her first trout. Nate Gunnin, age 15 and brother Brandon Gunnin 7 landed a 19 inch flounder with the help of Captain Sparky Sprague of Naples, Florida ”. “I caught a black tip Shark, how cool is that” said Lukas Littlefield age 10”, as Captain Mike Zgrabik released the fish back to the water.
As with all C.A.S.T. events, the most exciting part of the day is the presentation of the plaques. Each Boat Captain awarded their partners for the day a plaque with their picture included and the pride and expressions on their faces said it all. As quickly as it began, it was over and everyone stayed for hours reflecting on their day with the kids.
“I have so many people to thank” stated Kostick. “The Pink Shell Beach Resort was gracious enough to provide the Marina and breakfast for all the volunteers and kids, Gasparilla's Grill provided the bagged lunches, Sarah Ashton of Remax supplied all the bottled waters, Karl Zimmermann of Dolphin Boats who brought out his boats and Fishing Team and Celebrity Captains Al Keller and Bill Faulkner. Gary Anderson of Island Anglers, Venice Fishing Club, Reel Addiction Sport fishing and many other Captains coming as far as Miami. Bait was provided by The Bait Box on Sanibel Island Florida . Supplies and food was provided thanks to the efforts of Murty & Monk PA. A surprise dinner was extended to the 75 kids and parents of the Boys and Girls Club by Pinchers Crab Shack, where they cooled off with some yummy food. I cannot thank the community, volunteers and media enough for their support. The most exciting news I heard at the end of the event, was………….when can we do it again”, she concluded
Thank you Sandy Kostick and all your friends, for everything you did to bring this day to the kids of Lee County. You now know the true meaning of “Catch A Special Thrill”
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