A 37.8-pound amberjack earned 10-year-old Brent Klefeker the Grand Champion title at the 29th annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby on Oct. 4 at the Lorelei Restaurant and Marina.
Hosted by the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, the free event drew 142 anglers ages 10 and younger, who competed in offshore, backcountry, and shoreline divisions. Fishing began at 9 a.m., with weigh-ins closing at 1 p.m. Awards were presented in three age groups in each division.
Participants received goodie bags filled with donated fishing gear and other items. Through Fish Florida, children without equipment also received fishing rods and tackle boxes.
Brent’s brothers claimed the top two places in the Offshore 8-10 division. Chase Klefeker won with a 24.5-pound amberjack, followed by Brax Klefeker with a 24.4-pound amberjack. Nine-year-old Kadin Shahlamian placed third with a 10.7-pound mutton snapper.
In the Offshore 5-7 division, six-year-old Lorelei Holsen took first with an 8.1-pound grouper. Six-year-old Ben Hagen placed second with a 6.6-pound mutton snapper, and five-year-old Cadence Penick finished third with a 3.9-pound triggerfish.
Two-year-old Lorenzo Roman won the Offshore 0-4 division with a 6.9-pound grouper. Four-year-old Stone Jackson placed second with a 6.3-pound mutton snapper, and four-year-old Dylan Holsen finished third with a 4.2-pound mutton snapper.
The Backcountry division featured another group of young anglers reeling in snapper.
Four-year-old Chase Cornell won the 0-4 division with a 2.4-pound snapper. Jax Herrin placed second with a 1.7-pound snapper, and Lainey Herrin took third with a 1.5-pound snapper.
Seven-year-old Mark Kellish captured the 5-7 division with a 2.7-pound snapper. Axl Casanave placed second with a 1.9-pound snapper, followed by Rhett Raskob with a 1.5-pound snapper.
All three top finishers in the Backcountry 8-10 division were nine years old. Ryan O’Neill won with a 2-pound snapper, William Miller placed second with a 1.9-pound snapper, and Reid Raskob finished third with a 1.7-pound snapper.
The Shoreline division allowed children to fish at the Lorelei or at another shoreline location.
Two-year-old Ohana Jones won the 0-4 division with a 1.2-pound snapper. Three-year-old Lincoln Hurin placed second after weighing and releasing a 0.6-pound grunt. Four-year-old Monroe Mason finished third with a 0.6-pound grunt, with weigh-in time determining the order.
Reagan Hurin won the Shoreline 5-7 division with a 1-pound mojarra. Sophia Dos-Reis placed second with a 0.7-pound snapper, and Claire Stanczyk took third with a snapper of the same weight, with weigh-in time breaking the tie.
The Shoreline 8-10 division ended in a three-way tie by weight, with each angler catching a 0.9-pound snapper. Nine-year-old Oliver Banaskiewicz weighed in first to win the division, followed by Sadie Stanczyk in second and Evertt Brashares in third.
Seven-year-old Grey Garcia received the award for most outstanding catch after catching and releasing a 42-inch goliath grouper that nearly pulled him out of the boat.
The derby also featured a beach casting contest and educational activities from Mote Marine and the Florida Keys Wildlife Society. Local law enforcement officers visited with children and helped them fish, while volunteers and local captains assisted with registration, baiting hooks, scoring and weigh-ins.
The Lorelei provided the fishing venue, breakfast treats, drinks and an afternoon hot dog meal. Sportsman’s Adventures donated goodie bags, and Pasta and Angela Pantaleo supplied framed prints for winners. World Wide Sportsman contributed tackle boxes, games and other prizes, while Flying Fisherman provided sunglasses for each winner. Morada Mason and Diane Ambrogio photographed the event, and Brandon Greenwood and his cousin served as weighmasters.
Tournament director Dianne Harbaugh said the event remains focused on introducing children to fishing, particularly those who might not otherwise have access to equipment or the opportunity to participate.
“Our founder, Kathy Lewis, simply wanted to get kids fishing,” Harbaugh said. “The Keys Kids Derby’s primary goal is to teach young anglers about fishing. At the Lorelei, we can provide everything children need, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.”
Fish Florida supplies fishing rods and tackle boxes through funding generated by sales of its sailfish license plates, while Tackle Center of Islamorada provides bait.
“Watching these kids have fun catching and releasing fish makes this the best day of the year,” Harbaugh said. “So many catch their first fish here!”
Harbaugh credited the Islamorada Fishing and Conservation Trust, the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, Alina Davis and other local supporters for helping make the event possible. She also praised former participants who have aged out of the competition at 11 but return to volunteer.
Organizers are planning the tournament’s 30th anniversary next year, with additional prizes and enhancements. A complete list of award winners and donors is available on the Keys Kids Fishing Derby Facebook page.