An open house with a children's fishing tournament will mark the 10th anniversary of Clearwater's Pier 60.
By EILEEN SCHULTE
Published April 9, 2004
CLEARWATER - Out on Pier 60, just minutes after a smaller version of Jaws made a spectacular appearance in the water 30 feet below, Sandra Workman and her family showed a reporter digital photos of the baby shark her son Edward had caught earlier in the day.
Wanting to give the 3-footer a chance at life or to be caught again the next afternoon, they tossed the shark over the side after snapping some pictures. But reeling him in was exciting. "Scary at first," said Edward, 9, of Virginia, about hooking the little monster.
"They got the big net," he said.
On Saturday, lots of kids like Edward will be participating in a children's fishing tournament to celebrate Pier 60's 10th anniversary.
In addition to the contest, the event features an open house with free admission and refreshments for everyone from 7 a.m. to noon. Children and adults who want to fish are encouraged to bring their own rod and reel, as rentals are limited.
"They can drop a line, and the fish are right there," said Laurie Schultz, supervisor of Pier 60. "They're catching sheepshead and mackerel, pulling them in like crazy."
Pier 60 was built at the end of State Road 60 in 1952. Originally, it was 450 feet long, but in 1966, it was extended 630 feet to 1,080. In 1994, it was reconstructed to the same size, and during that renovation, it was given a tropical seascape makeover.
It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year (closed only on Christmas). It costs 50 cents to walk on the end of the pier. Daily fishing fees are $5.35 for adults, $4.45 for senior citizens and residents, $3.75 for children 11 to 15, and $2.50 for children 5 to 10.
The pier is popular with residents and visitors, said Bev Buysse, assistant director of Clearwater's marine and aviation department. Last year, 16,614 fishing enthusiasts visited the pier; 124,337 people paid 50 cents to stroll around.
Folks dislike paying the fee, she said, but it covers the pier's expenses, including payments on a land lease to the state.
And Buysse said it's worth the money.
"It's relaxing," she said. "You can walk out and see dolphins and birds."
As soon as you get through the gate, you see pelicans standing on the pier begging for scraps from fishing enthusiasts baiting hooks with shrimp, squid and pin fish.
Teenagers on spring break leap off the end even though it's forbidden by section 33.004 of the city code.
"They dare each other," Buysse said.
Near where they land is an artificial reef made of pieces of the original pier, "which really draws the fish." Buysse said.
At night, two powerful spotlights shine on the water below, illuminating shadowy figures swimming, looking for prey while fishermen bait their hooks above.
WHEN: There will be an open house from 7 a.m. to noon; children 15 and younger can participate in a fishing tournament from 8 to 10 a.m. (kids are asked to bring their own equipment).
