“It was a perfect day for everyone,” enthused Catherine McGuire, who organized the annual “Kids for Fishing” event here last Saturday (July 8).
For the past nine years, the Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club, an affiliate of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, has sponsored this event for youngsters who seldom have a chance to angle.
This year, it was held in conjunction with Ontario’s Family Fishing Weekend.
Some 20 kids enjoyed the morning on the lake, then they returned to the sportsmen’s club property on Frog Creek at noon for a shore lunch of fish, beans, fries and chocolate brownies prepared by McGuire, Jody Bonner-Vickers, Henry Miller, and Kelly Sigurdson.
No one seemed to be as hungry as in past years so the youths were asked if they would have preferred a different type of meal. Nick Kupila exclaimed that he loved fish and that nothing should change.
A group of boys nearby agreed with him.
On the other hand, Jacqueline O’Kane and Danielle O’Kane said hotdogs would be better.
In the afternoon, they tried their luck again. Even though fishing was slow in the mid-day heat, most of these amateur anglers were thrilled just to have bites while many enjoyed being on the lake and having a boat ride.
There had been some concern Friday morning because only three volunteers with boats were confirmed (Jeremy McGuire, Bill Bone, and Rick Socholotuk).
But at the last minute, volunteers began showing up after some frantic phone calls. Our club extends thanks to Bruce Hamilton, Stan Hoard, Craig Sigurdson, Bob Guertin, and Dorian Lindholm, all of whom filled in.
Then Greg Allan loaned his boat to the cause and Ralph Hill donated minnows. Lucky-O Tackle donated jigs and lures.
Thanks also goes out to Kelly Sigurdson, Kaela Korchak, and Jody Bonner-Vickers for helping out in the registration area.
Unfortunately, disappointed late registrants could not be accommodated. Many of the previous year’s volunteers were attending the FFHS Millennium Reunion so we were without a full complement of boat.
But next year’s event looks very promising, with several new volunteers already coming forward.
Organizers are planning on travelling to a secret fishing hole, which will remain under wraps until June, 2001.