WWA Youth Fishing Association Hosts Fishing Clinic
Category: npaa
Sep 15th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Sep 15th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
NPAA members Theresa Meade #161 and Joe Baron #220 hosted the WWA’s Youth Fishing and Family Day held on August 17th in Antioch, Illinois. Other NPAA members participating were Willy O’Connell, #377 and Jim McDonald, #416. The day saw 65 youths fishing from boats in a real tournament setting.
WWA club members and volunteers were ready for sign up by 7:00 am, with kids and their families already waiting in line to be a part of this event. Included in the days were seminars on fish identification, fishing techniques and proper bait application followed by rod set ups for the kids. After the seminar and rules meeting, the National Anthem was beautifully sung by Janice DeWaal. With excitement in the air, the boats took off for a 4 hour day of fishing and fun. With the weigh in scheduled for 1PM, the volunteers had their work cut out for them, scrambling to get everything in place.
Clowns, Sno-cones, magic shows, tattoo artists, jewelry making and balloon creations were among the many exciting things needed to be set up for the kids and families. All of the entrants had the opportunity to be on stage, tell of their experience and show their catch. (with photographer Jenny McDonald taking the best pictures EVER!) All contestants won fantastic prizes with big fish awards in the categories of Walleye, Bluegill, Perch, Carp, Striped Bass, Crappie, Sheephead, Catfish and Large Mouth Bass. Trophies were awarded to every participant and all won a rod and reel combo along with a variety of prizes which were donated by companies and sponsors for the event.
Many thanks to the NPAA for donating Young Tournament Angler pro shirts (a proud bunch of kids wore them) to every contestant and to all of our other sponsors including Kunes Country Ford, Off Shore Tackle, Fox Lake Harbor, Lund Boats, Norseman Outdoors, StowMaster Nets, Blarney Island, HT Enterprises, State Bank of the Lakes, Robinson’s Bait, Sams Club and too many others to mention! Last but certainly not least a special thanks to NPAA member #377 Willy O’Connell for donating the spectacular medallions and helping make this another fantastic and fun day! Events like this encourage adults to continue promoting children’s interests in fishing and many other outdoor activities.
Thanks to all involved because you are the one’s who care about the future of our country’s young!