National Walleye Tour pro Kevin McQuoid is pictured with Connor Baker and Patrick Baker at Thursday’s youth fishing event in Dunkirk. OBSERVER Photo by Craig Robbins

The National Walleye Tour anglers hosted a youth fishing clinic for 100 local youth Thursday on Dunkirk Pier.

“We enjoy doing these youth events during this championship week,” Eric McQuoid said. “My dad, fellow NWT Pro Angler Kevin McQuoid, started me fishing when I wasn’t much older than some of the kids here today and I am so excited to spend time with them and teach them a few things that I learn over the years.”

Young anglers came from as far as Jamestown to take part in this end-of-summer youth event.

“We were heading back from Buffalo and wanted to stop and see the weigh-in and take part in the youth event,” Jamestown native Mike Baker said. “Both of my sons, Patrick and Conner, love to fish.”

While the Dunkirk Pier was lined with young anglers trying out their new rod, reels and baits, sporting special youth NWT T-shirts, NWT pro anglers like Drake Herd were lending a hand getting a young lady set up to cast.

“Without the young anglers like we see here today the future of fishing is not real bright,” Herd said. “But look at all the youth enjoying this great day on the Dunkirk Pier. Fishing looks to be in good hands.”

“One of the most exciting things we can do for the local communities we visit is give something back,” said Anthony Wright, NWT tournament director. “A small thing like taking a child fishing can set them a path to possibly be a future touring pro or they could just enjoy going fishing the rest of their life. That is the great thing about fishing, we can enjoy it at any level.”