Making a splash at the 2018 C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Horsetooth Reservoir

Written by: Emily Quinn

A boat captain and C.A.S.T. for Kids participant enjoying time on the water.It was a beautiful, sunny day at Horsetooth Reservoir, with participants, family members and volunteers alike enjoying a day of fun and fishing for the annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event. This year, there were 30 child participants and 100 volunteers. The event had quite the turnout!

For many children, it was their first time fishing and it sure was exciting! Some participants caught between 30 and 40 fish. That moment when you see a child’s face light up from reeling in their first catch makes this type of event worthwhile.

Many new and existing volunteers return year after year, dedicating their time and boats to teaching children with disabilities and/or disadvantages all about fishing. To them, this is much more than an event that teaches fishing; it’s an opportunity to share joy and passion for the sport with children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to do so.

The love of fishing is immediately shared between boat captains that the children participating in the event. By the end of the day, participants feel able to carry their new skills forward, thanks to Reclamation-donated items like a tackle box, rod and reel.

After spending the morning on the water, participants are brought back to shore to enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch, fully donated by volunteers. This is the time in which the kids begin telling stories about all of the wonderful memories they made while learning to fish.

As lunch commences, the award ceremony begins. The children each receive a special plaque commemorating the day, and they even get to have their photo taken with the boat captains. These plaques serve as a reminder of the special day shared on the reservoir.

With new fishing skills in hand, we encourage the participants and their families to continue visiting Horsetooth Reservoir for some fun and fishing throughout the summer, and for years to come.

A C.A.S.T. for Kid participant shows off his catch.

Published on June 12, 2018