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Kids Fish for Fun Day set for Saturday at Lake Miola
Optimist-sponsored event includes food, fishing activities
The Paola Optimist Club has set Saturday as the 11th-annual Fish for Fun Day at Lake Miola. In case of rain it will be Sunday.
The event is sponsored by the Optimists, Block and Hillsdale Ruritan clubs, Miami County 4-H, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Corps of Engineers. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Activities kick off at 8:30 a.m.
“Just bring yourself and children,” said Bob Johnson of the Optimists, “and we supply the rest.”
Participants may use their own equipment, or they may use rods, reels and bait furnished by the sponsors.
The program was started in May 1998 when the U.S. Corps of Engineers at Hillsdale approached the Paola Optimist Club to sponsor a “Kids Fishing Day.” Although the club had only eight members at the time, it was a project for kids. Because the Optimist motto is “Friend of Youth,” it was a natural for the members to sponsor.
A full day of activities is planned, including casting demonstrations, knot tying, lure selection, fish identification and water safety, as well as catching fish.
Other organizations assist with manpower, contributions and finances. Many prizes have been awarded, with everyone participating getting a prize.
Johnson, along with Scott Uday, headed up the first event. Johnson served as chairman until 2003 when Dave Ellis volunteered to take over the duties. The format of that first event has more or less been carried through to date.
“The contributions and support of civic clubs, local business people and local fishermen allow the kids to be introduced into one of America’s favorite pastimes — fishing,” Johnson said. “It also allows families to have good, clean fun and appreciate the great outdoors.”
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The event is sponsored by the Optimists, Block and Hillsdale Ruritan clubs, Miami County 4-H, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Corps of Engineers. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Activities kick off at 8:30 a.m.
“Just bring yourself and children,” said Bob Johnson of the Optimists, “and we supply the rest.”
Participants may use their own equipment, or they may use rods, reels and bait furnished by the sponsors.
The program was started in May 1998 when the U.S. Corps of Engineers at Hillsdale approached the Paola Optimist Club to sponsor a “Kids Fishing Day.” Although the club had only eight members at the time, it was a project for kids. Because the Optimist motto is “Friend of Youth,” it was a natural for the members to sponsor.
A full day of activities is planned, including casting demonstrations, knot tying, lure selection, fish identification and water safety, as well as catching fish.
Other organizations assist with manpower, contributions and finances. Many prizes have been awarded, with everyone participating getting a prize.
Johnson, along with Scott Uday, headed up the first event. Johnson served as chairman until 2003 when Dave Ellis volunteered to take over the duties. The format of that first event has more or less been carried through to date.
“The contributions and support of civic clubs, local business people and local fishermen allow the kids to be introduced into one of America’s favorite pastimes — fishing,” Johnson said. “It also allows families to have good, clean fun and appreciate the great outdoors.”