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Last year, Sept. 19th marked the start of a wonderful tradition. This year our event was held on the 18th!

(Thank you to all that attended; volunteered; and donated time and/or money!)

We had many children in attendance.  Some had no experience, while others returned after having so much fun last year!

We anticipated having two kids per fishing guide/teacher. However, with extra guides on hand, we were able to give some of the younger kids one-on-one attention! There were five work stations to teach skills such as knot tying; bait/lure selection; casting; finding natural bait (inc. the kind found in your refrigerator); and how to identify, handle and release real fish!

It was after each station that each child was to share with Grandpa Z what was just learned. Grandpa was like Santa Claus: asking questions of the kids and handing out presents (a.k.a. items they needed to fish)! With these supplies in hand, the kids & their fishing guides headed for the lake. Many kids caught fish; some of pretty good size!

After a lunch of hot dogs & chips, many returned to the water with their parent/guardian, to show off their new skills.

(The parent/guardians were happy the guides were on hand to assist with snags, grabbing fish, and reinforcing some of the lessons of the day.)

In addition to a gift of lunch, bait, full tackle boxes, and poles (all courtesy of LZFE), each child received a certificate of completion; a coloring book; a book on how to fish; and a copy of all the information used at each work station!

We believe after a day of fishing basics and fun, that there are a few more kids “Hooked for Life”.

Thank you again to everyone!

Joe Wiegand, and Gary & Grant Mitchell