Breeze File Photo Fishing Derby participants line the Cape Coral Yacht Club pier.

A Cape Coral tradition spanning more than three decades returns this year to give local youth a day of fun on the water and the knowledge of a useful skill.

The Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral’s 33rd Annual Free Fishing Derby for boys and girls ages 5-15 takes place this Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Cape Coral Yacht Club pier. No advance registration is necessary to take part, though the derby is limited to the first 300 kids. All participants need to do is come to the pier and check in on the day.

“We look forward to this each year to help out the children of Cape Coral,” said event organizer Wally Laumeyer, 90. “It’s all about giving back to the future generations of Cape Coral.”

All youth anglers will receive their own rod, reel and bait. Trophies will be awarded to the boy and girl with the biggest fish, smallest fish, most fish and the one with the most unusual catch.

Laumeyer said what keeps him coming back year after year is how much fun the kids have throughout the day.

“To see these kids catch a fish, no matter how big or small it is, it brings such joy,” Laumeyer said.

The event has also become generational, as Cape Coral natives who participated in the derby in their youth are now bringing their own children to the Yacht Club pier to learn the ropes from Laumeyer. “When you see that, it really makes you feel good,” he said.

In a city dubbed the “Waterfront Wonderland,” learning to fish is nearly a rite of passage that Laumeyer is happy to provide.

“We’ve got all of this water here in Cape Coral, and there are kids here that have never fished,” he said. “If we can help just one kid take up fishing and it helps them stay out of trouble, it’s time well spent. I wish that was more that was done here for kids in the city.”

With the Yacht Club set to close for two years due to renovations, Laumeyer said it’s possible this could be the last year for the derby. It now is the time for additional help with this event that has impacted the lives of so many who grow up in the Cape, he said.

“I’d love to have some help and have somebody take over this,” Laumeyer said. “I’d love to see it continue.”

A variety of door prizes will be given away at the end of the event (must be present to win). The Kiwanis Club urges parents to attend, and younger participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This annual event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club in hopes of getting more children involved in fishing — a hobby that lasts a lifetime. The club buys brand new rods and reels each year for the youth and also give away prizes such new bicycles.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.

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