FORT PIERCE — Fishing rods, friendly competition and plenty of smiles helped bring local youth and law enforcement together during the inaugural Cops & Bobbers Youth Fishing Event at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club on June 11.
Hosted by the Fort Pierce Police Department in partnership with the Fort Pierce Yacht Club and the Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club, the free event gave children the opportunity to spend the day fishing alongside officers while learning new skills and building relationships.
For Fort Pierce Police Captain Brian MacNaught, the event was designed to create positive interactions outside of emergency situations.
“Not every experience somebody has with a police officer is a good experience,” MacNaught said. “It might be during a domestic situation or an accident when someone is hurt. Every time we get there, there’s normally an emergency. This is a chance where we can bond with the kids, get to know them and do something fun.”
Throughout the day, participants rotated through fishing stations where they learned how to tie knots, bait hooks and cast their lines. Officers, volunteers and experienced anglers helped guide the young fishermen as they worked to reel in the day’s biggest catch.
Each child received a fishing pole to take home, allowing them to continue enjoying the sport long after the event ended.
“If they see us on the street, they’ll remember us from Cops & Bobbers,” MacNaught said. “We want to build that relationship and be a friendly face they can come to when they need help.”
Officer Kevin Ramirez said the idea for the event began earlier this year as officers searched for ways to engage local youth during the summer.
“We sat down in January and started thinking about what we could do for the kids,” Ramirez said. “We decided, let’s go fishing with them. The whole purpose is getting the community together and letting people know we’re here to support them.”
Another officer said events like Cops & Bobbers help young people see officers beyond the badge.
“Some people think of cops and have a bad image of them,” he said. “We’re real people doing our jobs just like everyone else. We just wear a uniform. Hopefully events like this help build relationships with the next generation.”
At the conclusion of the event, Oscar D. received the award for Biggest Fish, Edward A. earned Best Fish with a mangrove snapper and Gabriel B. won Most Exotic Fish after catching a starfish.
Organizers say they hope the event will continue to grow in the years ahead, creating more opportunities for youth, families and officers to connect one cast at a time.
The event was made possible through the support of Dorado Heating & Air Conditioning, Dunn’s Kids Foundation, Donna Regan, Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club, Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, Fort Pierce Lions Club and Varsity Sport Shop.