Kokomo is home to one of the most unique youth programs you’ll find anywhere in the United States.
It’s hard to believe the time that has passed since a special group of children and volunteers came together for the inaugural Kokomo Kids Fishing Clinic. It happens because of a unique partnership involving government entities, national corporations, area businesses and a huge number of local men and women. This summer will be no exception as preparations are being finalized for the 40th annual Jim “Moose” Carden Kokomo Kids Fishing Clinic.
Title sponsors include Kokomo Area Lions Club, City of Kokomo, Bott Mechanical, Goodfellows, Crossroads Community Church, WWKI, Adams Auto Group, Bill and Marty Menges, Indiana American Water, UAW Local 685, Coca-Cola Bottling, First Farmers Bank, Soremouth Tackle, Lucas Home Furnishings, and Zebco. Because of them, and many others, 135 children will be afforded the opportunity to learn nearly every aspect of the great sport of fishing.
Registrations begin Monday starting at 8 a.m. at Lucas Home Furnishings Outlet, formerly the Kokomo Conference and Event Center, 1500 North Reed Rd. Kids do not need to be present. Cost is $25 payable cash or check. Because of the usually large turnout, it is recommended to arrive early.
Students must be between the ages of 6 to 15. It is important to note that even though the clinic is limited to the first 135 that register, all informative class sessions are open to the public. Since we believe the “F” in fishing stands for “family,” parents and other family members are encouraged to attend with their student.
Classes are taught by our area’s most prominent and successful anglers and will take place July 15, 16, 18, 23 and 25 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Kokomo High School. After these informative presentations, children will then “graduate” by competing in their very own three-hour long fishing tournament. All students will have the opportunity to fish from bass boats operated by qualified adult boat captains. The graduation will be held July 27 from 7 a.m. to noon at the Kokomo Reservoir.
During the opening session, every child receives a quality Zebco classic rod and reel plus lure package which is theirs to keep. Tackle bags will be provided to all students by the Kokomo Area Lions Club.
Each evening the students and parents get to hear informative presentations by some of our states leading fishing experts. Participants will receive expert casting instruction while learning a lifetime of fishing techniques from our best fishermen and women. After casting practice all participants convene to the spacious auditorium where they have the opportunity to view presentations from state and nationally known guest speakers.
Students then attend two informative classes where almost every topic associated with fishing is covered. Presentations explain types of artificial lures and proper use, live bait, outdoor ethics and types of fishing equipment. The kids even have the chance to learn about ice fishing and how to clean real fish. Each evening following class instruction, the children then re-convene to the auditorium where over 100 door prizes are given away. This has been appropriately titled “Happy Half Hour.”
It doesn’t take long to realize those who love the outdoors are some of our community’s most generous and caring people. This becomes evident as everyone involved with the Clinic shares the commitment to provide a positive outdoor experience for our youth, as did the man whose name the Clinic honors.
More than 180 volunteers help participants develop an increased sense of self-reliance with our aquatic resources. This special fraternity of men and women anglers provides a warm and helpful atmosphere, allowing students to feel comfortable. These instructors do a superb job in passing on knowledge and skills, which can be cultivated for a lifetime of success and enjoyment.
Enough cannot be said about the army of volunteers who make the program possible. Because of their sincere dedication to excellence, Kokomo’s Kids Fishing Clinic was recognized by the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as one of the top outdoor oriented youth fishing programs in the United States.
Regardless of age, the sport of fishing is one of the few activities that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. It can also provide common ground between adults and children — even at times we feel there is none. It has been said many times “the Kids Clinic teaches children about life in general and fishing in particular.”
Teaching a child to fish usually provides our environment with a much needed friend in the future. Everyone associated with the Kids Fishing Clinic considers it an investment into our nation’s number one natural resource — kids!
TOURNEY RESULTS
• Chris Bledsoe and Arnold Payne took first place at the recent City of Firsts Bassmasters club tourney, held on Lake Wawasee, with five largemouth totaling 10.70 pounds. They also received the “big bass” award with a 3.90 largemouth. Second place went to Calvin Fitch and Dave Parkhurst with five fish weighing 10.10 pounds. Cody Oliver and Jayce Ellis rounded out third place with five fish weighing 9.11 pounds.
• Brad Parsons and Bryan Haskett won first place at Monday’s Kokomo Reservoir open team tourney with five fish weighing 9.95 pounds. Matt Cottrell and Matt Durben reeled in second place with four fish weighing 9.13 pounds. Calvin Fitch and Brad Williams brought in third place with four fish totaling 8.59 pounds. Kenny Waisner had the tourney’s “biggest fish” with a largemouth weighing 3.21 pounds.
• Wayne Nolder and Bob Rose took first place at the Delphi-Delco bass tourney, held on Mississinewa Reservoir, with five fish dropping the scales at 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Second place and “big fish” honors went to Keith Milburn and Kyle Hobbs with two fish totaling 5 pounds, 11 ounces with their biggest topping out at 3 pounds, 15 ounces.
