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KIDS
FISHING RODEO ATTRACTS OVER 350
by
Steve McCadams
www.stevemccadams.com
 Over 350 young anglers joined a dedicated host of volunteers and me last
Saturday for the second annual "Casting For A Cure" Kids Fishing Rodeo at
Carroll Lake near McKenzie.
Thanks to a lot of folks, good weather, hungry fish and enthusiastic
youngsters, it was another huge success. Kids from five states were on
hand to test the water and partake of a hefty list of prizes.
The event is rather special for me. While it takes a lot of time and
effort, each year I get to see some old friends and dig up some fond
memories of my childhood days spent at Carroll Lake.
It was there I landed my first fish about 40 or so years ago, thanks to a
father and grandfather who used to take me fishing there. Back then there
was the annual Jaycee fishing rodeo and I slipped up and won my age
bracket, thanks to a crappie, shellcracker, warmouth and some starving
bluegill.
A few years past and the rodeo kind of went south, so to speak. Then,
three years ago, while recovering from surgery and the news that a
dreadful monster called cancer had paid me a visit, I had time to mull
over several things.
I made a pledge to the big fisherman in the sky during that recovery
period. If he would let me see a few more sunsets then I would attempt to
help others beat this disease while mixing a little fellowship with his
work along the way.
One of those was the idea of returning a kids fishing rodeo to my boyhood
home where a lot of great times were had beneath the shady oaks and around
the lily pads of Carroll Lake.
So, I got to working on it and wondered if the community would support it
and how much, if any, interest we might have from young anglers.
It has been a labor of love but working on the event has brought a lot of
folks together. I've seen old friends that now have kids of their own who
have participated in the rodeos. Some had never fished before but are now
"hooked on fishing", so to speak.
Kids remember most those things you do with them, not just for them.
Anyway, that's how this fishing story got started and not only have we
introduced hundreds of kids to the great outdoors but we've fought fish
and cancer at the same time.
With the help of some 90 separate donors, every kid received a prize
whether they landed a fish or not. Some even earned big prizes of bicycles
and go-carts.
In addition to sending them all home with something, including a big smile
and pleasant memory, we'll make a donation to the American Cancer Society
for approximately $6,000.
Plans are already underway for next year's event. After all, I've made a
pledge and thus far, the big angler in the sky is delivering on his end.
Meanwhile, I'll be making a lot of casts for everyone involved.
For Some Fun Pictures from the Rodeo
Click Here Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing
area and host of The Outdoor Channel's television series IN-PURSUIT. |
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