More than 100 children from nearly 70 families gathered Saturday morning along the Christiansted Fort waterfront for the annual Kids Handlining Tournament, a long-standing community event that teaches young people the traditional art of handline fishing while promoting marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.
Hosted by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) in partnership with the Golden Hook Fishing Club, the free event welcomed youth ages 15 and younger for a morning of fishing, mentorship, and environmental education under this year’s theme, “Hooked on Education.”
Throughout the tournament, children learned handline fishing techniques from experienced fishers, celebrated their first catches, and gained a greater appreciation for the cultural traditions that have connected Virgin Islanders to the sea for generations. Participants also received educational goodie bags filled with resources from the Caribbean Fishery Management Council, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, and the Golden Hook Fishing Club.
Following the event, Olivia Walton, St. Croix Outreach and Education Liaison for the Caribbean Fishery Management Council, reflected on the impact of the day.
“My heart is so full after today’s Kids Handlining Tournament,” Walton said. “There is something incredible about watching over 70 families spend a morning outside, learning a tradition that has connected Virgin Islanders to these waters for generations. Seeing children catch their first fish, cheer each other on, and spend time learning from experienced fishers reminded me why this work matters so much.”
Walton said she is grateful to help create opportunities for young people through her new role with the council, connecting them to the territory’s fisheries, culture, and the community members who work to preserve both.
She thanked the members of the Golden Hook Fishing Club for the volunteer hours that have kept the tournament alive for years, along with Sandy’s Bait & Tackle for providing a fishing tutorial and prize, Sea Turtle Rescue and Assistance (STAR) for donating handmade crochet turtle prizes, the volunteers and fishers who shared their knowledge, and the parents and families who participated throughout the morning.
Walton also recognized The Nature Conservancy, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Golden Hook Fishing Club, and the Caribbean Fishery Management Council for contributing educational materials and resources for the children’s goodie bags.
“It truly takes a village to pull off an event like this,” Walton said. “Today was a beautiful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together for our youth.”
She added that events like the Kids Handlining Tournament help preserve the Virgin Islands’ fishing traditions while inspiring the next generation of responsible anglers and ocean stewards.
“I love to see us keeping our fishing traditions alive, creating future ocean stewards, and making sure the next generation knows that these waters belong to them, too,” Walton said.
