Barksdale kids fish for fun

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 70 Barksdale children and their families gathered on the base's East Side April 25 to participate in outdoor recreation's Kids Fish event. 

Children ages from 2 to 12 lined the bank and docks of Harmon Lake with fishing poles as they competed for prizes. Categories included: most fish caught, the biggest fish, fish with the biggest brim and the smallest fish. 

"All the kids out there walk away with something," said Michelle Jerome, 2d FSS Equipment Rental manager. "Whether or not they win a trophy they get something, a lot of the kids took home fishing poles or tackle boxes, no one leaves empty handed." 

While the children won trophies and gifts, the parents were able to spend a Saturday outdoors with their kids. 

"We had a lot of fun together," said Staff Sgt. Donald Keefer, 608th Air Communications Squadron systems administrator, father of Hayden, a participant in the event. "We found a spot where the fish were schooling and he pulled out about eight fish, it was a good day." 

For some of the children, it was their first time fishing, and it was a chance for outdoor recreation and the parents to teach the children how to fish. 

"I loved teaching my son Parker how to fish," said Maj. Kenn Cates, 2d Operation Support Squadron chief of wing scheduling. "I've wanted to do something like this with him for a long time. As a father I hope this will become a lifelong hobby for him, teaching him was a great feeling, it was a very special time for the two of us."
 
Although Major Cates' son Parker didn't catch any fish, he watched the other kids catch fish. 

"Seeing the little fish hanging off the other kids poles was my favorite," said Parker, 3. 

The Kid Fish has been held each year in the spring, bringing families with young children to the banks of Harmon Lake. There is not currently an event scheduled for next spring, but outdoor recreation plans to continue the annual event. 

"I think the event went very well," said Paul Williamson, 2d FSS outdoor recreation manager. "All the kids had a great time and that's what counts, they are why we will continue this event in the future. 

Many of the parents who attended the event plan on participating the next time the event is offered. 

"The kid fish program was excellent," said Major Cates. "To be able to show up and pay five dollars you get a pole, all the bait you need, lunch and a well stocked lake is excellent. I would love to do this again in the future." 

For more information on future events visit www.barksdaleservices.com.