Keeping the Sport Healthy

[papajoe222]

I was lucky enough to be a part of our annual Cops and Bobbers fishing derby for the youngsters of our town. It's run by our local FOP lodge and drew just over a hundred kids today. The fishing couldn't have been any better as every entrant caught fish, mostly bluegill. The 10-14yr old class caught the most bass, 14 with the biggest being a 16in. fish. the older group of 14-17yr olds only had four entries, but they were able to catch 6 bass and a nice 21in. walleye.  I love teaching kids about bass fishing and these guys and gals were like sponges, absorbing the tips and suggestions I was dishing out.

When the fishing ended and before the prizes winners were announced, many of those entrants came up to me asking questions about spawning bass, different retrieves and what was the difference between some of the baits we were giving away. The majority of bass had finished spawning, but the shallows were potted with bluegill beds. 

The local BPS, WalMart Dick's and all of the sponsors were extremely generous with donations, and every child received either a rod/reel combo, bass pro gift card, a tackle box filled with lures, hooks, weights and, of course, bobbers, or their choice of four lures,or bags of plastics.  I'm happy to say that every child there left with more enthusiasm about the sport than when they first arrived. 

Today was a glimpse of the future of our sport and from my viewpoint, It looks very healthy.

 

[Fishin Dad]

Good for you Papa!   Getting kids away from screen time and outside is amazing.  Cool on the donations and relationships with police officers as well.  Makes a person want to support those that donated.  Glad to see the kids had a positive experience and caught fish.   
Sounds like a perfect day.  

[GreenPig]

Great stuff.