KoaStrong Fishing Derby at the Capitola Wharf
About this Event
KoaStrong Fishing Derby at Capitola Wharf
🎣 KoaStrong Fishing Derby at the Capitola Wharf
Sunday, August 30, 2026 | FREE Community Event
Join us for the inaugural KoaStrong Fishing Derby and the launch of the KoaStrong Fishing Series — a free, family-friendly event inspired by Koa’s love of fishing and the outdoors.
Koa loved to fish everywhere he could: the percolation ponds near his home, the Capitola Wharf, the Delta, the shores of Oʻahu, and the Snake River in Jackson, Wyoming. Some of his happiest moments were spent with a fishing pole in hand, surrounded by family, adventure, and nature.
After Koa died from childhood cancer, his family created KoaStrong Childhood Cancer Prevention Organization to help protect future children through prevention, early detection, and research focused on understanding why cancer develops in otherwise healthy children. KoaStrong believes children deserve more than outdated treatments after diagnosis — they deserve better ways to detect cancer earlier and prevent it from advancing.
This fishing derby is designed to bring families together, introduce children to fishing, celebrate community, and honor the joy Koa found outdoors.
🎣 Event Details:
• FREE participation
• Fishing off the Capitola Wharf does not require a fishing license
• Approximate derby timeframe: 5 hours
• Weigh-and-release format (fish are recorded and returned to the ocean)
• Prizes awarded for:
– Biggest fish
– Smallest fish
– Most fish caught
• Family-friendly and beginner-friendly
Registration helps us estimate participation and plan prizes.
💛 Support the Mission
While this event is free, donations are welcomed and deeply appreciated. Proceeds support KoaStrong Childhood Cancer Prevention Organization and our work to strategically invest in prevention and early-detection infrastructure, including scientific research and future childhood cancer prevention initiatives.
Every donation helps move childhood cancer from a system that reacts to disease… toward one that detects it earlier and prevents more.
Fish for fun. Rise up for kids.
Learn more: www.koastrong.org
Koa loved fishing at the Capitola Wharf.
Join us as we come together for a free, all-ages Fishing Derby, honoring his life and raising awareness for childhood cancer prevention.
Agenda
Register before August 25, 2026
Parking available throughout the Capitola Village.
🕑: 07:00 AM
Check-In at the "Weigh In" tables toward the end of the Capitola Wharf.
Info: Catch/Weigh/Release from 7:00am - noon.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
AWARDS CEREMONY
Info: 1ST Place - LITTLEST fish; 1ST Place BIGGEST fish; 1ST Place MOST fish caught
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
