Kids Corner Article III

It's Fishing Time with Kaylee

Hello fishing fans! The temperature is rising and the fish are spawning! When I was on spring break from school, all I could think about was getting on that lake and going fishing. A couple of weeks ago, I got to do something I haven't done in a while. I love getting in that boat and running up and down the lake and fishing with my grandpa, but there's nothing better than having a picnic lunch and sitting on the dock fishing with Mom. We packed up and headed down to Sanders Ferry Park on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville to fish off the bank, in hopes of catching a few bream. We didn't catch supper, but we still had fun and got to spend some quality time together.

While we were there, we met another family who were fishing, too. They looked like they were having a good time, so my mom and I went over and talked to them for a little bit. There were three kids around my age; there was Allison Yeager (9), Andrew Yeager (12) and Chris Moore (13). They came over from Greenbrier, Tennessee to get in on a little fishing action on Old Hickory. I always seem to meet some of the nicest people when I go fishing.

Fishing from the dock or a bank is a cool way to learn about structures. You can see fallen treetops, stumps, rocks, and different types of underwater structure that fish love to hide under. Sometimes you can even see the fish swimming. Another good thing is that during spawning season, the fish move to the shallow parts of the water, which you can really get to from a dock or the bank of the lake. You may even be able to catch a stringer full if you play it just right.

Now when you are fishing on the bank, you need to know some quick safety rules. First, you need to have adult supervision and always stay where that adult can see you and know where you are at all times. Don't run around the bank because you can easily trip and fall into the water. Always wear a life jacket if you can't swim, or if you're near deep or swift water. A first aid kit is a good idea and make sure you have some water or something to drink so you won't get dehydrated in the summer months. You may want to bring a big net, not only to catch that monstrous fish you are going to hook, but for something to grab in case someone falls in; or if you drop your belongings in the lake, you can quickly bring them in.

Now since summer is getting close, there are going to be some events coming up for kids and families. These types of events are a good way for kids to meet other kids who like to fish. Plus, it could bring out a little good ole competition in you. I'm going to try to keep you posted on any events that I hear about and if you hear about one, e-mail me so I can include it in my next article.

The Gallatin Leisure Services is sponsoring a Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 12, 2004. It starts at 8:00 a.m. and lasts till noon. They have been sponsoring this event for about 15 years and usually have 50-100 kids come out for all the fun. The event is free for any kids 5-16 years old. They will be fishing off the bank at Lock 4 Point Park (at the end of Lock 4 Road) in Gallatin, Tennessee. There will be prizes and if you pre-register by June 10, you will be guaranteed to get a goody bag. The prizes will be presented with special awards for each age group for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and the largest stringer. There will also be a special Casting Contest with prizes awarded in two age groups. Call Page Jackson at 615-451-5911 for more information. Good luck and catch some big ones...or small ones (they get prizes too).

Also "Bass-N-Buddies" is happening on June 12. This is another great event for kids ages 8-18. This is an organization that provides mentoring opportunities to disadvantaged youth as well as children and adults with disabilities. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. at Martha Gallatin Park (Hwy 109). There are a lot of activities going on that Saturday including a fishing derby. If you go to this, you may even have the opportunity to get into a boat and fish with a few experienced fishermen. For more information, contact Bill Champion at 615-452-1922.

Steve McCadams' 5th annual "Casting for a Cure" Kids Fishing Rodeo is just around the corner. It is scheduled for Saturday June 5, 2004 at Carroll Lake in McKenzie, TN. Pre-registration will be from 7-9 a.m. and the actual competition will take place from 9-11 a.m. Young anglers ages 15 and under are invited to participate in the free event which will benefit the American Cancer Society. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will assist with the big event. Almost 2,000 kids from five states have been introduced to the great sport of fishing during the previous four events. There will be prizes and a lot of fun and this event. A Bassmaster Casting Kids contest will be held under the shade of live oaks, hosted by the McKenzie Bass Club. Winners will advance to state and national competition. Kids are asked to pre-register by sending their name, address and age to: TWRA, Attn: Steve McCadams Kids Rodeo, 200 Lowell Thomas Dr., Jackson, TN 38301. However, youngsters can still register that morning on site. For more information about this event, go to www.stevemccadams.com.

These events will be lots of fun and I'm going to be at some of them, so I hope I'll see you there. If you see me, be sure to come over and say "hello."

Saturday June 12, 2004 is Free Fishing Day in Tennessee. That means anybody can fish without buying a fishing license. This is a great time for families who want to go fishing together to try it out for free. The whole week of June 12-18, is Free Fishing Week for kids ages 13-15. All other times, everyone ages 13 and up needs a license. You can find out information on fishing licenses at http://www.state.tn.us/twra.

So fisherguys and fishergals, I hope that you catch a lot of big bank fish. For a great Sunday afternoon full of fun, ask your parents or some friends to pack up a picnic and go fishing for some good quality time together. You may even make some new friends out on the dock! Have fun, be safe and catch some big ones!

E-mail me at kaylee@bassvideos.com. And send me some pictures with your fish!