Reclamation Hosts C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Event at Lake Mead

Written by: Doug Hendrix

A child fishes from the dock with the assistance of a volunteer at the 2017 C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Lake Mead.On Saturday, October 21, Reclamation’s Lower Colorado Region hosted its 19th annual C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event at Hemenway Harbor at Lake Mead, Nevada. At the event, 28 children with special needs were provided with the opportunity to reel in a good time as they joined enthusiastic local volunteers for a morning of fishing and fun.

"Reclamation is proud to be a part of the national Catch a Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) for Kids program that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities, ages 5 to 17, the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing," said David Palumbo, Reclamation’s Deputy Commissioner of Operations. "We are indeed fortunate to have a fine recreation area like Lake Mead so close to Las Vegas in this arid desert for fishing, boating and other water sports."

Assisting with this year’s C.A.S.T. event were more than 88 volunteer staff from Reclamation and other federal, state and local organizations who served as fishing guides and offered assistance to the novice anglers. Participating anglers were celebrated with an award ceremony followed by a complimentary lunch provided by the event sponsors. Lunch was provided by the Lake Mead Marina, U.S. Foods, the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino and Outwest Meat Company.

"C.A.S.T. events support and encourage stewardship of our natural resources and outdoor recreation areas by providing a quality outdoor experience for everyone," added Palumbo. "Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude and thanks for the cooperation and support from the five community service organizations, two fishing clubs, ten businesses, and three government agencies that made this year’s C.A.S.T. for Kids event so successful."

The primary sponsors of the event included the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Give Me a Break (GAB) organization, Blind Center of Nevada, Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation. Volunteer organizations include the Nevada Striper Club, Nevada Bass Anglers and the Knights of Columbus. In addition, the event venue, pontoon boats and food preparation area were generously provided by the Lake Mead Marina.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The Foundation became an official 501(c)3 in 1994 and currently hosts three programs: C.A.S.T. for Kids, Fishing Kids, and Take a Warrior Fishing.

A child gets some assistance while fishing from the dock at the Lake Mead C.A.S.T. for Kids event.

A child gets some assistance at the Lake Mead C.A.S.T. for Kids event.
A child at the Lake Mead C.A.S.T. for Kids event.