The Passion of Youth & Fishing: Lines in the Lagoon

Tri-County Fishing TournamentA common love for fishing, friendship and conservation led seven Vero Beach teens to put their heads and hard work together to organize a first ever Tri-County Junior Fishing Tournament. The Lines in the Lagoon tournament was created to promote the protection and preservation of the lagoon that surrounds our communities.  “Our goal is to raise awareness about the health of our endangered Indian River Lagoon.  This tournament will bring together young people who are passionate about making our waterways clean and safe for all marine life.”

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Lines in the Lagoon takes place on Saturday, October 18th from 7am to 2 pm in Martin, St. Lucie & Indian River Counties and is open to all youth in our community.  Besides fishing, the event includes a fun awards dinner catered by Chipolte Mexican Grill.  All anglers receive Carl Hiassen’s new book “Skink-No-Surrender” and auction  items include a 10ft. Dragon Fly paddle board.  Registration is filling fast:  www.linesinthelagoon.com or call (772) 643.4616.

Fishing is intimately connected to ecology and conservation and the Indian River Lagoon happens to be a very popular and rewarding fishing spot.  The lagoon is one of the most bio-diverse estuaries in North America.  It is the habitat for one of the most diverse bird populations anywhere in the U.S. and is the spawning grounds for over 700 species of ocean, lagoon and shellfish populations.  Ocean species of these fish that spawn and mature in the lagoon range as far north as the Chesapeake Bay.

Unfortunately, this gem in our midst is in decline due to decades of non-point source pollution.  Storm water runoff, sewage spills, leaky septic tanks, fertilizers and pesticides are just a few of the lagoon’s toxic enemies.  Lines in the Lagoon, spearheaded by 7 fishing and life pals:  Steven Croom, Tommy Hammond, Bryce Hauser, Quinn Hiaasen, Ritter Marchant, Barrett Rhymes & Michael Villafuerte, has tirelessly worked to reel in an amazing group of sponsors, donors, and environmentalists with the same passion and concern for the lagoon.  A day of friendly fishing competition for youth in the lagoon is the perfect forum to educate the public on what we must do to protect this phenomenal natural resource.

Get your gear together and join Lines in the Lagoon for a fantastic day of Indian River Lagoon fishing, fun and facts!

Lines in the Lagoon – Saturday, October 18, 2014

$25.00 registration fee includes fishing registration, awards dinner, t-shirt, goody bag and Carl Hiassen’s newest book “Skink-No-Surrender”

Open to all youth from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Lines in at 7am; out at 2pm.

All proceeds to benefit: Everglades Foundation.  www.evergladesfoundation.org and ORCA.   www.teamorca.org

Awards dinner & ceremony at the A.E. Backus Museum (including free tours) in Veteran’s Memorial Park in Ft. Pierce sponsored by Chipolte with tournament prizes, raffles for great gear and auction items.  Carl Hiassen will be on hand to sign his new book.

Visit www.linesinthelagoon.com be sure to “like” their Facebook page and “share” with your friends.

Nancilee Wydra
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