Fishing To Support Face Autism
Fishing For Charity – Kiddie Pole Classic 2025 in Palma Sola Bay near Anna Maria Islald Florida. This tournament has been held annually since 2009, and supports Face Autism.
Face Autism’s Mission Statement is:
Face Autism, Inc., was created in 2009 by a team of interested professionals and parents to provide sensory friendly activities, support groups, referral for therapeutic services, structured classes, and other necessary resources. As a nonprofit organization, Face Autism, Inc., is committed solely to providing these services to families through outreach and fundraising efforts.
One of their events is the Kiddie Pole Classic, which I recently, participated in. The Kiddie Pole Classic is held on Palma Sola Bay, myself along with eleven other captains each volunteered our time to take a child or young adult fishing. All funds raised were donated to support Face Autism.
One of the rules of the tournament is that the kids must fish with a “kiddie” or cartoon-style fishing pole. Each spool is re-rigged with 15-pound braid so it can handle saltwater fish without breaking. But even then, hauling in a good sized redfish or speckled trout can be a challenge for normal gear.
I had the absolute pleasure of hosting two young ladies. We kicked off the morning at a nearby reef, where we caught mackerel and small red reef grouper.
After that, we moved inshore to fish a grass flat in about 4–6 feet of water. We finished out the last part of the outgoing tide catching spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, and ladyfish.
I had a great time and am grateful to offer my skills, time, and boat to support this amazing non-profit.
To learn more about Face Autism, check out their website: https://face-autism.org/
