With visions of boats, tackle, and wriggling catches, about 40 local children and adults with disabilities are preparing for a day of boating, fishing, and a picnic at the Bureau of Reclamation's Lower Colorado Region's seventh annual C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids event on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Lake Mead's Hemenway Harbor.

As in years past, this year's event will provide participants with an opportunity for an exceptional outdoor experience. The day will feature cruising and fishing with a volunteer expert skipper from the Nevada Striper Club, Silver State Bass Anglers, Nevada Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Reclamation.

"The event site will be near the water's edge to keep C.A.S.T. for Kids a water-related event with an aquatic ambience," said Phil Aurit, Reclamation's local C.A.S.T. for Kids Event coordinator. "For many of the participants the day provides an on-the-water fishing experience that they have never had before."

Set-up of the event site will take place on Friday, Oct. 14. Very early the next morning on Oct. 15, a "staff" of about 80 volunteers from Reclamation, other state and federal agencies, and local organizations will be on site to register the volunteers, skippers and anglers when they arrive. Young anglers will then be assigned a "captain", fitted with a personal flotation device, receive a personal fishing rod and reel, a well-equipped tackle box, and a commemorative shirt and cap.

Las Vegas Boat Harbor is loaning several pontoon boats for the C.A.S.T. event to ensure those participants who use wheelchairs can easily access a fishing craft and to make sure there are sufficient water vehicles for all anglers.

Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas Boat Harbor, the Las Vegas World's Fair in 2012 Committee, the National Park Service-Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada Striper Club, and Silver State Bass Anglers join Reclamation in hosting the event.

"Make A Wish, the Blind Center of Nevada, and Give Me A Break, helped us select the 40 participants for this year's event," said Aurit.