May 21, 2012
By Florida Sportsman Newswire
[caption id="attachment_43326" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Winners at the May 12 Bass Fishing Kids event in Lake Ida Park, Palm Beach County. From left: Mark-Anthony Gibson, Ryan Batezel and Natalie Hawkins"]
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Bass Fishing Kids Palm Beach Trail
Sponsored By Shakespeare
5-12-2012
Lake Ida Park
1st Place - Ryan Batezel - (West Palm Beach) 2nd Place - Mark-Anthony Gibson (West Palm Beach) 3rd Place - Natalie Hawkins (Delray Beach) Big Fish - Ryan Batezel - (West Palm Beach) 4.18 lbs
Tournament Director Gary Waingrow and Co-Tournament Director Bob Newland started this trail in 2002, with the help and sponsorship of Bass Pro Shops and the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. These tournaments are open to all the kids in the community and are orientated towards education of the sport in a fun family atmosphere.
The trail consists of eight tournaments a year. Six tournaments are qualifying events, one tournament as a wildcard. The top-qualifying anglers will then compete in the kid's classic.Participants are divided into two divisions, Small Fry for ages up to 10 years old, and Juniors for ages 11 thru 17.
At the end of every tournament, medals and prizes are awarded. At the classic the grand prizes are awarded in an honorary ceremony. We are proud to award each year a Pond Prowler from Bass Pro Shops with a Minn Kota Trolling Motor and Battery.
This year has been our best so far. We have had an average of 40 - 60 kids competing in all qualifying tournaments. We expect this number to continue to grow. In 2008 Palm Beach County and Savannah Kids Bass Trail came on board.
If you would like to start a kids trail in your area or you interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact our founder and Tournament Director, Gary Waingrow: bassfishingkids@comcast.net.
