Fishing for fun at this year's C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Lake Pleasant, Arizona

Written by: Emily Quinn

Boat captains pose with a C.A.S.T. participant as they all show off their fish.Another Lake Pleasant C.A.S.T. for Kids Event is behind us and is in the history books. It was held on Saturday, March 24, 2018, and the weather created perfect fishing conditions for the participants. Several kids brought back some really big fish, and their stories were even bigger. The smiles were huge as they told us about the size of the fish that got away!

The 19th annual event ran like a well-oiled machine, with volunteers all pitching in as if they had worked together daily. What is evident is the joy felt by each of them as they make preparations to make the day great for the kids and their families.

We had more than 46 professional bass fishermen who donated their time and boats to share their love of fishing with the kids. The boat captains are always thrilled to share their love of fishing with the kids. The special attention that the boat captains so freely give to the kids brings out the best in everyone. We are very thankful to all of our returning, and also the new, volunteer boat captains. Many volunteers are “hooked” after the first event and, and return the following year.

The coordinators and the shore volunteers' day begins long before the sun comes up. The volunteers worked together to prepare the event area for the more than 200 guests that would later arrive. Tables were set up for the Liberty Wildlife birds of prey display, Reclamation Water Smart display, kids craft table, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary stations.

As the kids began to arrive, the excitement in the air made the early morning hours melt away. The kids were escorted through registration where they received a hat, t-shirt, rod and reel, and a tackle box. Equipped with all of their gear, the kids were then paired with a boat captain and began their big fishing adventure.

All that time on the water makes people hungry. Once the kids had finished their fishing trip, they were unloaded from the boats, were ready to eat the delicious lunch that had been prepared for them by the volunteers.After lunch, the kids attended the awards ceremony where each child received a photo of him or herself and the boat captain in a plaque. The best part was hearing the kids’ stories about their fishing adventures.

This year, 43 children participated. Each had their own unique story to tell; some about the fish they caught, some about the huge fish that got away and some about how they got to drive the boat. After the awards and the stories, the families left with big smiles and many memories of their day.

The biggest reward of all felt by volunteers is the fulfillment earned after providing the kids with a day full of wonderful memories and stories that will never be forgotten.

A C.A.S.T. participant is celebrated for her fishing skills

Otto Otter poses with C.A.S.T. participants and their boat captain during the awards ceremony

Published on April 20, 2018