Take a Kid Fishing Day is coming Saturday

Published 10:34 am Monday, June 2, 2008

Children 16 years old and younger who are accompanied by an adult can fish Saturday without a fishing license during the annual Take a Kid Fishing Day.

The event is from 9 a.m. to noon and is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club. In addition to prizes and fishing, there are often food stands for participants.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation bus will be at the event as a stop on its outreach tour, sharing the spirit and mission of the foundation.

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The first, second and third largest fish caught by both boys and girls will receive prizes. Fish that are seen often are carp, bluegill, bullhead, walleye, crappie, catfish and bass.

Last year’s event was sunny and warm, bringing a higher turnout than normal. On average there are a few hundred kids fishing with their families.

The largest fish ever caught in the history of the competition was a 12-pound carp caught almost 10 years ago, according to Larry Anderson of the Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club.

The Sportsmen’s Club has been involved in the event since the beginning, which is almost 15 years. Early on, the fishing day was held at Katherine Island, but soon attendance numbers outgrew the location.

Other events sponsored by the Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club:

All events are at the Edgewater Park fishing pier.

June 11 — Senior fishing for Thorne Crest Retirement Community 2-4 p.m.

June 17 — Arc of Freeborn County 6-8 p.m.

June 21 — Senior fishing for St. John Lutheran Home 10 a.m. to noon

July 24 — Senior fishing for the Good Samaritan Center 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.