NATHAN MAYBERG Jaxon Lynch of Alva won for the largest colorful fish. NATHAN MAYBERG

After three decades as one of the best sporting events for children on Fort Myers Beach, the Fourth of July children’s fishing tournament at Bonita Bill’s lived up to its reputation with 130 participants competing for most fish caught, largest fish and other categories.

The catch-and-release contest, organized by the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center next door, was another rounding success as trophies and fishing rods were handed out to the winners.

With the traditional shot of a cannon, boys and girls, brothers and sisters along with the help of their parents for beginners, took to the back bay waters on the floating docks surrounding Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe & Tiki Bar.

It wasn’t just a fishing contest. It was a family bonding event with an opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with watermelon, hot dogs and oatmeal raising cookies generously donated.

The Fort Myers Beach Tarpon Hunters Club donated a tackle table, prizes and helps release the fish after they are caught. Members of the club assist young fishermen and fisherwomen with how to fish.

Jaxon Lynch, 10, of Alva, won a prize for the largest colorful catch.

“It’s really easy,” Lynch said of a sport some may find to not always be. “It’s something you can work your hands with.”

Lynch is an experienced angler, with his best catch a snook at 33 inches.

Steve Johnson of the Fort Myers Beach Tarpon Hunters Club has been assisting at the event for the last decade.

“It’s great to see the kids,” Johnson said. “It’s completely free for all the kids and the parents. All the bait, the meals are free.”

Best of all for Johnson is “the smiles on the kids faces as they come flying in (with a catch),” he said. “It’s just a healthy event. It gets them away from the video games and gets them enjoying the great outdoors.”

Ostego Bay Foundation President Joanne Semmer said the tournament wouldn’t be as great as it is without all of the sponsors – more than two dozen businesses and community members.

“Everything is donated from the community. Everything is free,” Semmer said. Semmer said she was still receiving donations on the day of the tournament.

Daniel Eaton, a volunteer coordinator for the Ostego Bay Foundation, has been involved in helping out at the fishing tournament for more than 20 years.

“Kids are having fun. Kids are learning what’s underneath the water,” Eaton said. “The best part is the smiling faces.”