Fishing Tournament for Children and Youth in Paquera

The Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ), in collaboration with the Federación Costarricense de Pesca (FECOP), recently held a Fishing Tournament for Children and Youth, marking the second stage of our ongoing learning and activity program for young anglers in the Paquera area.

Earlier this year, the first part of the program introduced participants to the basics of sport fishing through a hands-on workshop. In that session, children learned how to assemble a fishing rod, tie knots, cast properly, identify local fish species, and practice good catch-and-release techniques. The goal was to give them some of the knowledge and skills needed to enjoy fishing responsibly while protecting our marine environment.

This second stage — the tournament — gave them the perfect opportunity to put those skills into action. Thirty three children and youth between the ages of 8 and 14 participated, fishing from shore with bait. The event was divided into two categories:

·        Mini – for ages 8 and 9

·        Juvenil – for ages 10 to 14

Each category enjoyed one hour of friendly competition. Our volunteer judges and helpers, including five experienced captains and guides from the community, assisted the young participants, offering tips and encouragement along the way.

Although the tournament was competitive, the main focus remained on learning, participation, and community spirit. There were some nice catches, and we had some very nice prizes for the winners of different categories (biggest fish, smallest fish, most catches, most species and best caster among others) thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.

The morning was filled with smiles, laughter, and proud moments — some of the children reeling in fish for the first time, parents cheering from the shore, and friends celebrating each other’s successes. It was a true community event, showing how fishing can bring people together and inspire a new generation to enjoy and respect the sea.

We extend our gratitude to all who contributed to making this possible, especially FECOP, ADEJ’s partners, and our sponsors, whose commitment to youth activities ensures that programs like this can continue to grow. Together, we are building not just fishing skills, but also environmental awareness, teamwork, and a lasting connection between our young people and the natural beauty of Paquera. Special thanks to: Fecop Isla Chiquita Glamping Turismo Curu Bahia Rica Adventures Eagle Ray Bio Tours Rancho El Pelicano Tortuga Vida Boutique Hotel and cafe Gallo Fishing Store CR Primo Tackle

Gallo Fishing Store