Kids' Fishing Day draws large crowd

The sweltering sun did not deter the multiple miniature fishermen that gathered for the annual Kids’ Fishing Day, May 10. Many excited children and their families were gathered around a pond with 2,000 freshly stocked “phase one” catfish, courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

As the day progressed, fish were caught and dinner was planned. Among the many children catching fish was 9-year-old Nate Adkison with friends Tripp Hodges and Caleb Hutching. Nate’s siblings were also out catching fish.

“It’s great to just come out here to have fun,” said Nate, showing off his fresh catch. “It’s great to have everything you could want and be around your family.”

Nate’s father, Jarrod Adkison, was enthusiastic about participating in the event.

“I get a lot of pleasure out of seeing these kids fish,” said Adkison. “I’m here with my kids, but…if there’s another kid here that needs it, I’m glad to help.”

The Florida Wildlife Commission provided fishing gear. Having great fun while helping distribute and assist with fishing poles was Clare Mangum, Fisheries Biologist.

“I think it’s great to get the kids out here with their families and to get [them] interested in fishing. Getting them outside, having fun, with [a catch] that they can take home to eat,” Mangum said.

“It’s good to have the younger generation coming out and fishing while learning to love the outdoors,” Mangum commented, watching the tiny fishermen fondly.

The event was founded by Don Walters, President of the North Central Panhandle Education Foundation (NCPEF) and Chairman of the Orange Hill Soil and Water Conservation District.*

Walters says that the event was created for the benefit of the children. All those under the age of 16 were invited to participate. Not wanting to leave any child out, he said that each participant received a prize, instead of only those with the best catch.

“We have a prize for every kid; there’s about $4,000 worth of prizes here,” said Walters.

He explained that there is no feeling greater than helping the youth.

“My philosophy is that you can’t be doing anything wrong when you’re helping kids…there’s just so many kids in this county that need somebody to help them,” said Walters.

“That’s why we [also] have the scholarship program ‘Take Stock in Children’ and we’re going to be awarding 12 scholarships next Thursday evening in the Ag center at 6 p.m. ”

Walters explained that a lot of their funding for the event came from the construction work they do for other government agencies. He also said that the money from this work went back into Washington County and that a lot of it was given to benefit the children.

Providing food and beverages for everyone was Horton’s Chipley Heating and Cooling. Also contributing was North Central Panhandle Education Foundation.