The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
These fifth graders are working hard at station 3, minnow races.
Station 1 is a basic training on identifying fish and how to properly catch them.
Carson Noback practices his casting technique Tuesday morning.
Around 115 fifth graders from Hulett, Sundance and Moorcroft schools attended the second annual North East Wyoming Walleye Association (NEWWA)’s fishing education day last Tuesday.
There is reason Crook County fifth graders were chosen for the annual event, according to event coordinator Jason Otto.
“We talked to the schools and the fifth graders don’t seem to get a whole lot of field trips so we figured ‘that’s great, let’s do that!” he says. “We really enjoy it and the kids have a blast.”
The more than 25 volunteers manned their stations, teaching the kids fishing basics, knot tying, how to race minnows, casting, fish biology and mandatory water safety before each group of kids were able to enjoy a boat ride.
The assembly ate a hearty lunch of burgers, hot dogs and chips before returning to their respective schools. At the end of the day, said Otto, “Each kid gets a special gift before they get on the bus including a $20 gift card to Rocky Mountain Sports.”
Otto expressed his delight with the increased popularity of the event this year, “We’re very excited; we have a lot of fun with it and it’s a way to give back.”
NEWWA sponsors the event with donations from local businesses and their annual fish fry.