Big Cypress
by Thomas Lockyear | Museum of the Everglades
Photos by David Ardelean
The Gladesmen Heritage Foundation is an organization dedicated to sharing not only the history of their recently recognized folk culture, but also to passing down the traditional knowledge and skills associated with living, working, and enjoying recreational activities in the Everglades.
To this end, the group often holds a number of Junior Gladesmen workshops throughout the year. One of the most well-attended events was last year’s inaugural Canepole Classic – a fishing tournament for kids using traditional bamboo cane poles with a hook and a worm. Not a high-tech reel or fancy lure in sight. This year, the completely free event, held at Trail Lakes Campground, was an even greater success.
Kids of all ages converged on the fishing holes created by the campground’s founders – the Shealy family – back in the 1960s. The Shealys first settled in the region during the 1890s, donating a plot of land to build a school on the island of Chokoloskee. Their generosity and community spirit remain family traits as they warmly welcomed the raucous herd of anglers to enjoy a day of rustic fishing and family fun.
Lunch was provided by members of the Everglades Conservation and Sportsmen’s Club, another group preserving and promoting the Gladesmen culture who will be holding their 75th Wild Hog BBQ this coming February at their headquarters on Loop Road.
Everyone who participated in the Canepole Classic caught fish, but most didn’t come anywhere near the sixty-nine fish caught by Kyla Clark, who walked away with the trophy for Most Fish Caught. Young Glen Weeks, who won the award for Biggest Fish last year, established a legacy by claiming that trophy again this year with an 11-and-a-half-inch bass.
The Canepole Classic is proof that kids don’t need video games or theme parks to have fun, and the Gladesmen Heritage Foundation is definitely fulfilling their mission of passing their love of the Everglades on to the next generation.
