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DESPITE EXTREMES, YOUTH FISHING EVENT A SUCCESS

 Jul 22nd, 2013 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Jul 22nd, 2013 at 12:00 AM

Despite extreme heat, humidity and tornado sirens, several members of the Nation Professional Angler’s Association (NPAA) and other fishing enthusiast volunteers were able to give the members of the youth organization, Youth Go, Inc. of Neenah, WI the opportunity to experience the sport of fishing.

Youth Go, Inc. was founded in 1969 to provide a safe gathering place and to make a positive difference in the lives of youth.  The no cost recreation, education, and support and wellness programs, Youth Go strives to provide underserved and at-risk youth in grades 5-12 with opportunities to do well in school, develop as individuals, and prepare for their next step in life.
NPAA member and owner of BagoRiverBay Guide Service, Craig Huss #262, organized the youth fishing clinic with the theme, “giving everyone the opportunity to experience fishing”.  “The opportunity to experience fishing is something many of us take for granted, that is why I wanted to create an event which exposed youth to the sport of fishing”, said Huss.
 

Of the attendees, 18% surveyed said that they had never fished before.  This type of event is critical in terms of growing the sport of fishing.  All youth attendees were provided hands-on instruction by local fishing guides, tournament anglers and certified angling instructors on the shores of Lake Winnebago, in Doty Park, Neenah, WI.  The clinic included nine education stations that covered fish identification, safety around water, knot tying, casting contest, rod/reel basics, lure presentations, aquatic invasive species (AIS), taxidermy and fish art.  The event also included a fishing contest, which was unfortunately interrupted by the weather and tornado sirens.

Despite the extremes in the weather, each of the youth attendees received a rod/reel and an assortment of fishing prizes which were made possible through the generous donations made by Pure Fishing – Shakespeare Fishing, National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA), The Sheboygan Walleye Club, and WI DNR – Fishing Education.
NPAA members included: Bill Van Ornum #801, Captain Tom Nelson #567, Jason Kicherer #893, Dave Van Oss #45, Captain Jason Noworatzky #686, Captain Greg Karch #138, Captain Craig Huss #262.

Other volunteers: Bobbi Jo Huss, Claire Huss, Lydia Flood – WI DNR – Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Cole Huss, Larry Marmes, Lucas Karls of Lucas Taxidermy, Morgan Huss, Hannah Nowakowski, Mike Huss, Shirley Huss, Jack Fischer, Jacob Miller