There's much more to this event than hooking a fish

USACE PAO
Published April 18, 2018
Have you ever wanted to attend an event, but each year somehow you end up reading about it after it’s already taken place? This was a common theme among adults I spoke to while attending the annual Kid’s Fishing Day, held at Hensley Lake this year.

As I wandered around the lake taking photos and chatting with the adults and children participating, nearly a dozen people told me that they were happy to finally be attending the event – and that they had missed it several times before.

Rather than just post a few photos to let you know you missed it … again … let’s try something a little different.

If you would like to participate in Kid’s Fishing Day, then you need to put it on your calendar ASAP. Like right now! Open your Outlook calendar, tell Siri or Cortana or whoever to remind you, write it on a post-it note and stick it on the refrigerator at home – whatever your technique for making it happen, but better make a note of it now.

For those of you who would like to go and for those of you mulling the idea but not quite sold on actually making it happen, here is a list of 8 reasons why you should also be among those making plans to attend the next Kid’s Fishing Day:

 

 

1. Try something new

Kid’s Fishing Day gives young boys and girls (and many adults) the opportunity to try something new. Much of the equipment is provided for children, so you don’t have to buy it to try it. Plus, it’s quite the adventure for a young child to be handed a fishing pole and give it a go.

              

 

2. Family time

Whether you want some father and son/daughter bonding time, or you want to bring all the kids to an event where they can try something together, KFD is a great opportunity to spend quality time with family.

              

 

3. Enjoy nature

If you know you’re not the type to reel in a wriggler, that shouldn’t stop you from joining the family outing. KFD is an excellent chance for you to unplug and unwind while taking in the beauty of one of our beautiful Corps parks.

                           


4. Teach independence

Surprise yourself, and be surprised by your children. While some of the little one’s might need your help, other kids quickly learn they can do it on their own.

 

 




5. Teach/Learn patience

What are they (you) going to do when there is no cell phone service available?! Once you throw out the line, it’s your chance to sit down, calm down and practice a little patience.



6. Show what you know

Someday, your little learners might not want to hear what you have to say. KFD offers the chance to get out there and share your skills. Pass on your how-to knowledge, while passing along your generation’s fish stories.



7. Meet Park Rangers

Some of the smartest, nicest people you’ll ever meet wear the green and gray of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger.

 

 8. Win awesome prizes!

As if there aren’t enough good reasons listed here already, the annual KFD features the free drawing of a bunch of really cool prizes. This year, kids won 53 prizes, including three bikes.



Bonus Reason: You might just get hooked on fishing!

 

Just the Facts from KFD 2017

  • There were 172 Kids and 129 Adult participants.

  •  68 people provided a combined total of 294 volunteer hours.

  • Mid Valley Bass Club donated 53 prizes, from fishing poles, dolls, footballs, and bikes. They also cooked and bagged a hotdog lunch for the 300+ attendees.

  • San Joaquin Fish Hatchery stocked 1,000 pounds of trout on Friday 21 April.

  • CALFIRE and Madera County Sheriff's Officers were onsite during the event and provided safety information to attendees.

  • D.J. Kenny Allen – The Hippo 104.3 – provided music and announcements.

  • Students from Roosevelt High School Bass Fishing Club assisted anglers with casting and baiting; and also worked the loaner fishing pole station.

  • There were 45 loaner fishing poles available; 42 of which were loaned out.

  • 300 drinks, plates, and napkins as well as face painting kits, crayons, and sidewalk chalk were donated by Steve Martinez.

  • This event overlapped with Earth Day, and Cub Scout Pack 75 planted 15 trees and shrubs throughout Hidden View Campground.

  • Boy Scout Troop 116 provided litter patrol after the event.