Thread: Looking For Some Volunteers...

Anyone know how the Kid's surf fishing clinic went ?

The inaugural Kid's FREE Surf Fishing Clinic was heralded as a success by the Gulf State Park officials, despite threatening weather...
https://www.facebook.com/GulfStatePa...91956237580421
https://www.facebook.com/lori.sparac...58370764393870

Fortunately, the heavy rain held off, missing the Pavilion by about a quarter mile at one point.
Though we were plagued by intermittent sprinkles, there was no lightening.
The water was calm, and winds were mostly southeasterly about 10 knots. Waves were a foot or less, and the water was clear.
The "June grass" that has been such a nuisance all week, had settled into the deeper longshore trough about 50+ yards out, and was of little consequence.

Each of the 30 or so kids got to choose a rod & reel combo (donated to the park by IGFA).
They also got a cup of frozen shrimp from the park.
Donated items were 50 Salty's pompano rigs, and 50 packs of Fishbites (from Sam's B&T).
Mr. Haywire helped at the sign-in tent, and the other 10 volunteers lined up along the beach waiting for the kids...

Other forum member helpers included Chili Relleno ...


And Frednic...


Fred also helped with the group of young ladies from Girl Scout Troop 12...


Practically all the kids caught fish, mostly whiting, along with blue runners, ladyfish, rays, and even small sharks.
Many were the first fish these kids ever caught (and touched), or their first saltwater fish.
Also, many personal bests, or first of that species were landed.
To say they learned a LOT, and were glad to be out there having a good time would be an understatement ;-)


Thank YOU Lord, for all these fine kids and their parents or guardians who signed them up.
And our wonderful group of volunteers who gave them their attention and expertise for a Saturday morning to make some converts to surf fishing and many lasting memories...

The kids, and even their parents, all had a great time!
I had a blast helping five kids with their fishing, their excitement and smiles were infectious.
Four out the five I helped caught fish before they left, made for lots of good times.
Small Whiting were the order of the day, with a few larger mixed in, also had Hardtails, Ladyfish sharks, rays and a Remora.

One young lady, Rae Ann of Evans GA, caught her very first fish ever, she landed two stud Whiting that day.
Way to go Rae Ann!


The girl scout troop was hoot to watch as they were having a lot of fun and keeping both Scott and Fred busy.