By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Families filled the shores of the pond in Spencer Park during the Hooked on Fishing event hosted by the Coon Creek Casters.

Editor

The Coon Creek Casters held their annual kid’s fishing clinic in Spencer Park on Saturday, June 2. The event began at 9 a.m. with crowds of kids and their families eager to race down to the pond and start casting their lines into the water.

Kathy Kasprzycki of the Coon Creek Casters organized the event this year. “They’ve been doing this for 17 years,” she said. “I’ve been with them so I know it’s been at least that long.

“It’s called the Hooked on Fishing Clinic and, at times, we have had 500 people out here. This year we have 125 kids signed up so, with parents, we expect at least 300 people. We have stocked the pond with bass, crappie, and bluegill. We serve a hot dog lunch provided by the Lions Club. We have hot dogs, chips, and fish cookies. The Belvidere Fire Department will come out to talk about water safety and water rescue.

“We have bait and poles if the kids need them. The event is a catch-and-release and we have judges who will measure the fish. We have prizes for the largest fish, smallest fish, most fish… everyone will go home with something. We don’t turn anyone away. If a kid shows up and is not registered, we take them anyway. The Boone County Conservation District (BCCD) has exempted everyone from having a license today during the event.

“We also do a Carp-a-thon on the first Saturday in August for our fall fundraiser. We will serve brats and sweet corn. The UAW will

Kids flocked to the firefighters after the water safety/rescue discussion to find out more.

provide beer for sale. There will be a 50/50 raffle, cash prizes, and a bounce house. We will also have a fundraising banquet/auction in the fall. That’s where we mostly get our money.”

“This is our 31st year for the club,” said Club President Bill Myers. “We currently have 85 members. We do kids events and give out scholarships to Boone County high schools. We give fishing poles and tackle boxes to organizations. We provide…

For complete article, pick up the June 10 BDR.

 
 
 
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