C.A.S.T. for Kids conducted its final event of the year at Cape Harbour Marina in Cape Coral, Fla. last weekend, with 37 children from the Southwest Florida Children's Hospital on hand to share a boat with local captains and guides in an event sponsored by Dolphin Boats and Rumrunners Cafe and Restaurant. Each child received a rod and reel, tackle box, hat and T-shirt to start their adventure on the Gulf of Mexico.
For most of the kids it was their first time on the water, and for many it was their first fishing experience.
"This is a reminder of the simple things that every kid enjoys—the smiles are priceless," says Karl Zimmermann, sponsor of three previous C.A.S.T events. "We look forward to participating in more events next year, offering this opportunity to more disabled and disadvantaged children throughout south Florida."
FLW Tour angler Clay Dyer, the national spokesperson for C.A.S.T. for Kids, spoke to an attentive crowd during the lunch and awards ceremony. The "If I can, you can" attitude of Dyer, who was born with no legs and only part of one arm, was inspiring for the children, volunteers and guides.
Each child received a plaque that included a picture of them and their captain to serve as a reminder of the day.
To learn more about C.A.S.T. for Kids, click here.
