Saturday, April 24, 2010, was the Sixth Annual Gulf Harbors Special Needs Day of Fishing Fun.  Organized by Gulf Harbors residents, Richard and Kathy Trentch, this event has grown over the past six years. Some of the “Special” guests include residents of The Angelus, a home in Hudson for severely handicapped individuals, as well as, three Gulf Harbors residents.

This year eighteen physically challenged young adults in wheelchairs were able to enjoy a day of fun aboard eighteen fishing boats of Gulf Harbors community residents. The day started out at the South Channel Boat Ramp located in Gulf Harbors. One by one, each wheelchair “Special Needs” fisherman and woman were carefully loaded onto a boat. This was accomplished with the help of many strong community volunteers.  The fishing flotilla then traveled to the flats on the east side of Anclote Key.  All eighteen boats anchor in the same area. Each boat is provided with chum blocks and bait. Within minutes of chumming the waters, the fishing fun began. The catch this year included trout, pinfish, puffers, blue runners, Spanish mackerel, remora, and one shark.  The sounds of cheering, yelling, clapping and horn blowing could be heard throughout the area. Our fishing flotilla was escorted by the local Coast Guard Auxiliary and TowBoatUS.  Bill Lissow, a Gulf Harbors resident, flew his seaplane overhead and photographed the event.

After a great morning of fishing everyone returned to shore and was treated to a great luncheon and awards banquet at the Gulf Harbors Civic Center.  Hearing the fish stories from each of the fishermen and women was truly heart warming.
Santa Claus even took time off from his summer vacation to present each fisherman and woman with a  “Winners” trophy.  Gift Bags filled with many items were also presented to each participant.   This entire event is sponsored and financially supported through donations from community residents and local businesses.

Event organizers, Richard and Kathy Trentch, want to extend a huge Thank You to all the boat captains and crew, the dock hands, the kitchen crew, Gulf Harbors Fishing Club, Coast Guard Auxiliary, TowBoatUS, Pasco County Sheriff, Gulf Harbor residents, and the many local businesses whose donations and time each year help make this event happen.