These events were not just about fishing, but about coming together as part of the Western New York Walleye Classic fishing tournament, the Dunkirk Walleye Festival, and the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club (NCCC) annual Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day.

The Take-A-Kid Fishing Day at the Con Club was not just a day of fun, but a record day of new outdoor adventure and fishing experiences, with valuable advice and learning station education for our local kids.

Event chairman Jack Forbes says, “I’m happy to say that our NCCC event registered more than 50 kids, the most ever, and thanks to our adult volunteers, the kids were treated to a great time.” The fun started early with gear preparation and distribution at 8 a.m. at the Mullet Street clubhouse, where kids were given fishing rods and reels. Fishing festivities started at 9 a.m. on the docks and seawall at the Dunkirk Yacht Club in Memorial Park and continued through late morning.

For safety, the kids on the docks were fitted with a life jacket and then were off to discover the fun of fishing with volunteer mentors.

Take-A-Kid Fishing Day mentor, Matt Tinstman, helping a youngster hold his big fish of the day before carefully releasing the catch. Photo by Jack Forbes

Forbes added, “Thanks to volunteers from our club, the NCCC Ladies Auxiliary, Bear Lake Rod and Gun, and many others – more than I can share, the kids enjoyed an unforgettable, safe morning and a fun time learning to catch a fish. The kids caught five different species of fish. The fishing was followed by a well-rounded meal at the club for all the kids and volunteers.” There were no winners or losers for first place; all the kid attendees were individual winners.

The next day at the Dunkirk Central Avenue pier, a kids’ day fishing seminar program was conducted by National Walleye Tour pro-Craig Sleeman, where kids were to learn more about basic fishing while standing on the dock overlooking Sleeman’s fishing boat. An exceptional visual learning experience all by itself.

Results, standings, and pictures of the Western New York Walleye Classic fishing tournament will soon be featured in the outdoor column. The seminar was followed by a brief contest for the kids where youngster Kaliq Young took top honors.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar:

Dunkirk Walleye Festival kids fishing champion was Kaliq Young, left, with Western New York Walleye Classic tournament chairman, Josh Larsen. Photo provided by Primitive Patriot Outdoors, LLC.

June 7-15: WALLEYE. 41st Annual 9-Day Southtowns Walleye Tournament, $100 entry, $100k prizes; Jim Skoczylas, 716-796-5372; https://www.southtownswalleye.com/.

June 14: Teach-Me-To-Fish free fishing clinic, NYSDEC with Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., register online: www.ecfsc.org, or call 716-533-4070.

June 14: Father’s Day Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game,100 sporting, non-registered, 780 Overhiser Rd., Silver Creek, N.Y.; 716-934-4028

June 14: NYS Safe Boater Course, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., register online at Https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/226928.

June 15: BASS. Chautauqua Lake Bassmasters 2025 Father’s Day Bass Open Tournament, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m., Prendergast Boat Launch, 2 adults and 1 child allowed per boat; $100 entry includes Big Bass Payout. Tournament Director: 716-708-0330.

June 21-22: MUSKY. NY Musky, Chautauqua Lake Showdown, Launch site TBD, Region 3 Chapter Challenge; 585-287-7578