By: L. W. Burry
Take twenty-four very active
and eager kids with their parents, throw in a perfect early Indiana June
morning, add a couple hundred very uncooperative Rainbow Trout and you have
the makings of last Saturday morning’s “Youth Fishing Event” held at the
Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area’s Rainbow Pit. Facilitated by the staff
of the Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area and members of the Northeastern
Indiana Trout Association, this activity was part of the Indiana Department
of Natural Resources “Free Fishing Weekend.”
The catching part of the event
may have been a little slow, but you wouldn’t have known it by the
enthusiasm this next generation of anglers displayed. Wet feet, and tangled
lines only enhanced their excitement when a nice Rainbow was caught.
And nice Rainbows they were. Every fish measured was over 12 inches
long.
Throughout the event, mentors
from Pigeon River and NEITA assisted the youngsters and parents by offering
tips and sharing their years of combined fishing knowledge and experiences.
A free drawing for rod and
reel outfits, tackle boxes and landing nets was held after the day’s fishing
was completed. Tackle packets containing baits and lures were given to each
youth participating in the event.
A NEITA spokesman stated,
“This was a great opportunity for our youth and parents. Fishing teaches us
some very important life lessons.” He further stated, “Please allow us the
opportunity to thank everyone for coming out. We especially want to thank
the staff at Pigeon River and the NEITA members for donating their time and
talent. Additional thanks must go to the Bait and Hook Store in Fort Wayne,
The Angler in Helmer and Tri-States Bait and Tackle in Fremont for their
generosity and support. None of this would have been possible without that
assistance. We look forward to next year’s event.”
