Kids and families fishing. What's better than that?
National conservation organization Wildlife Forever and tournament bass fishing leader, Major League Fishing, recently provided 150 rods and reels in support of the 38th annual Antler Down Cares Youth and Families Trout Fishing Derby. Anglers fished in the Little Red River near Heber Springs, Arkansas. Participants 15 years old and younger received a free rod-and-reel combo.
"This was our 38th year to hold the event, and we were thrilled to have new supporting sponsors in Wildlife Forever and Major League Fishing supplying rods and reels for the kids," said Sam Lester, founder of Antler Down Cares and longtime Little Red River fishing guide.
Before the event, Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery stocked a section of the river with rainbow trout. The winning catch for longest fish during the derby was a 17-inch rainbow trout.
Lester says many families return year after year and camp at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' John F. Kennedy Campground adjacent to the river. The event has a family reunion picnic atmosphere with all ages either fishing or lounging in lawn chairs. One participating family was from Germany and showed up so their daughter could learn how to fish.
"Everyone had a great time, and I was thrilled to help hand out rods and reels to the kids. This is what keeps America fishing, hands-on, youth and family events," said Gregg Patterson, who serves on Wildlife Forever's board of directors.
Sponsors of the event were a unique mix of conservation and sporting organizations, state and federal agencies and local groups and businesses. They included: Antler Down Cares Crew, Wildlife Forever, Major League Fishing, Future Fishing Foundation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Greers Ferry office, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Little Red River Trout Unlimited Chapter 722, Walmart, Hewlett Packard, Lindsey's Lucky Trout Lodge, Red River Trout Dock, Trout Magnet, Cowboy Chevrolet, Sonic, Moix, Randy Grubbs Automotive, Arkansas Senior Asset Management, and Fort Thompson Outdoors
The Getting Families Fishing and Boating Initiative® is a signature Wildlife Forever program that works to engage youth and families into fishing and boating by providing equipment and conservation education resources through community outreach events. Become a member and learn more at WildlifeForever.org.