Fish and Fun in the Sun

C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Strawberry Reservoir a big success

Written by: Christopher Watt

What a catch! A boy holds a trout he caught at the C.A.S.T. event at Strawberry Reservoir in Utah.Heber City, Utah –- Thirty-five excited children boarded 25 motor boats for a day of fishing at Strawberry Reservoir, Utah, on Saturday, August 8.

The children and more than 100 volunteers and boat captains participated in the 19th Annual Catch a Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) for Kids, the Bureau of Reclamation-hosted summer event that provides disabled and disadvantaged youth the chance to get outdoors and learn how to fish.

A few hours later, participants were all smiles when they disembarked their boats after a morning of chasing fish. Like natural fishermen and fisherwomen, the new anglers came back with stories of fish bites, nibbles and the ones that got away, but many also brought back trophies including the prize cutthroat trout. Coming in at 27 inches and weighing an estimated 8 pounds, the trout was caught by a very excited young fisherwoman.

Whether or not the fish cooperated, volunteers and children said they had a great time. One boat captain and volunteer wrote, “After fishing for a bit (no luck), the participant got to be my ‘co-co-captain’ and told me where to drive the boat so we cruised around the lake wherever he wanted to go. We had a great time!”

“This was an amazing experience for my kids,” said one parent of participants. “They have never been on a boat before and to see the joy on their faces really made the whole experience. It was an amazing day and one we will never forget.”

“It was great for (my son) to go on a boat, and fish with his dad and siblings,” said another participant’s parent. “It was the first time that he had done that and he loved it!”

Each year, Reclamation sponsors many C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing events at reservoirs across the Western United States. These events are intended to provide disabled and disadvantaged children the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing. For more information, visit the C.A.S.T. for Kids website at www.castforkids.org.

Published on August 11, 2015