Fish, Widlife and Parks hosts kids fishing day in Troy
Scarlett Pennock, 22 months, relaxes with her rod at Troy fishing pond on Saturday. (Elka Wood/The Western News)
James Schreiner helps his son, James Jr., 2, reel in a trout at Troy fishing pond on Saturday. (Elka Wood/The Western News)
Chance Wilbur, 13, visiting from Spokane, Wash., attends Troy kids fishing day on Saturday. (Elka Wood/The Western News)
Game wardens and Fish, Wildlife and Parks employees were on hand to offer help and advice at Troy’s kids fishing day on Saturday. (Elka Wood/The Western News)
Troy held its 15th annual kids fishing day on Saturday, June 17. Hosted by Fish, Wildlife and Parks, about 50 people found a place beside the newly stocked pond to foster a love of fishing in kids.
“We typically hold it [fishing day] on the father’s day weekend, because it’s also the free fishing weekend, when no fishing license is needed,” said fisheries biologist Jim Dunnigan, who, along with his colleagues, was present to loan out equipment and lend a hand.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks employees even helped kids learn how to gut fish and had baggies and a cooler to keep them fresh until it was time to go.
Dunnigan said he was pleased with the turnout, and happy to be helping get kids outside and active.
Biologist Mike Hensler was seen helping a few toddlers reel in a small trout once he had it on the line.
“You can never start too young,” Hensler said, casting once again.