Kiwanis Take Me Fishing event provides fun, excitement for kids
Story and Photos by Kyla Hurt
A splash of rain that morning did not stop the fish from splashing at the Kiwanis Take Me Fishing event on Saturday, June 8.
From 9-11 a.m. at Morgan Lake in Nichols Park, children ages 3-15 were able to fish for free as long as the young anglers were accompanied by a parent of guardian.
Every few minutes, there was a cheer or scream of excitement due to a fish being caught. There was excitement across the lake when Kaylynn Cathers caught a 17-inch large mouth bass, the longest fish overall caught during the event.
Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville, awards were given away to the top three anglers in each of four age groups. Winners were determined by the total number of inches caught. The Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville had loaner fishing poles available for any child as well. Based on the consent forms completed by parents/guardians at the event, there was a total of 89 participants.
On-hand to assist with measuring of caught fish were the Jacksonville High School and Routt Catholic High School bass fishing teams. Members of either team were also kind enough to help those squeamish to bait their hook.
Results
Ages 3 to 6
1st Place – Cooper Fry
2nd Place – Sophie Rei Lomelino
3rd Place – Leeland Wagner
Ages 7 to 9
1st Place – Kaylynn Cather
2nd Place – Judah Ginder
3rd Place – Jaxon Bottoms
Ages 10 to 12
1st Place – Jameson Bottoms
2nd Place – Jack Harper
3rd Place – Ty Glossop
Ages 13 to 15
1st Place – Jez Harper
2nd Place – Kinley White
3rd Place – Spencer Wardell
Longest fish overall
Kaylynn Cathers
(17-inch large mouth bass)
