Make plans now
to attend Kid's
Fishing Day 2018!
Have you ever wanted to attend an event, but each year you end up reading about it after it’s already taken place? This was a common theme among adults I spoke with while attending the annual Kid’s Fishing Day at Hensley Lake in 2017.
As I wandered around the lake taking photos and chatting with adults and children participating in the event, about a dozen people told me that they were happy to finally be attending the event – because that they had missed it several times before.
So this year, we wanted to be sure to give people a heads-up and let you know that this FREE event is happening soon!
If you would like to participate, better make a note-to-self and stick it on your refrigerator, quick! This year’s Kid’s Fishing Day is happening April 7, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Corps’ Eastman Lake. For further details: 559-689-3255 or eastmaninfo@spk.usace.army.mil
And for those of you mulling the idea but not quite sure if you really want to make it happen, here is a list:
Nine reasons you should
attend Kid’s Fishing Day 2018:
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 the 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.
9. You might just get hooked on fishing!
Facts from Kid's Fishing Day 2017
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There were 172 Kids and 129 Adult participants.
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68 people provided a combined total of 294 volunteer hours.
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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.
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San Joaquin Fish Hatchery stocked 1,000 pounds of trout on Friday 21 April.
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CALFIRE and Madera County Sheriff's Officers were onsite during the event and provided safety information to attendees.
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D.J. Kenny Allen – The Hippo 104.3 – provided music and announcements.
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Students from Roosevelt High School Bass Fishing Club assisted anglers with casting and baiting; and also worked the loaner fishing pole station.
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There were 45 loaner fishing poles available; 42 of which were loaned out.
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300 drinks, plates, and napkins as well as face painting kits, crayons, and sidewalk chalk were donated by Steve Martinez.
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This event overlapped with Earth Day, and Cub Scout Pack 75 planted 15 trees and shrubs throughout Hidden View Campground.
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Boy Scout Troop 116 provided litter patrol after the event.