The sun was shining bright as hundreds of young anglers gathered at Wadsworth Pond in Great Falls on Saturday for the 31st annual Family Fishing Day. The event, organized by the Great Falls Chapter of the Walleyes Unlimited, aimed to promote fishing as a fun and educational activity for families.
- Preventing Overfishing
- Promoting Fishing Ethics
- Conservation and Wildlife Protection
According to Brenda Hanson, President of the Great Falls Chapter of the Walleyes Unlimited, the goal of the event was to get kids outside and engaged in outdoor activities. She emphasized the importance of teaching children about conservation, fishing ethics, and responsible fishing practices.
“I want fishing poles and kids’ hands. I want them outside doing activities instead of sitting in front of a TV, teach them some conservation, and great fishing ethics. I also love seeing the kids that come up with their fish, they’re so proud of it, to get it measured and weighed.”
— Brenda Hanson, President of the Great Falls Chapter of the Walleyes Unlimited
The event was a huge success, with kids reeling in a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish. Some of the younger anglers were thrilled to catch their first fish, while others were eager to test their skills and see how many fish they could catch.
| Fish Species | Number of Fish Caught |
|---|---|
| Trout | 15 |
| Bass | 12 |
| Catfish | 8 |
As the day went on, kids were also catching other creatures, including turtles, crawfish, and even a few frogs. These catches were weighed and measured, providing a valuable learning experience for the young anglers.
One young angler, Thomas Barton, shared his experience of catching a fish on his first try. “I was moving around my rod, and I was reeling it in, and then a fish just randomly hooked on. I thought it was a dud cast, so I reeled it in, and a fish hooked on.”
The event also provided an opportunity for kids to learn about the importance of conservation and wildlife protection. As they caught fish, they were taught about the different species, their habitats, and the impact of human activities on the environment.
After a day of learning and fun, the kids left with a newfound appreciation for fishing and the outdoors.
