Not every parent grew up fishing. Some probably arrived wondering how to bait a hook, tie a knot, or what exactly to do if a fish actually decided to cooperate. Thankfully, volunteers and experienced anglers were there to help every step of the way. Nobody was expected to be a professional fisherman. In fact, judging by the words of a few shared over a few tangled fishing lines, some future astronauts may have accidentally invented new knot designs altogether.

The youngsters learn quickly. Many caught crappie and panfish in the Ashville Bay Marina canals, and for some kids it was their very first fish. Some of the kids earned unique custom-crafted trophies hand crafted with a chainsaw by Vince Liuzzo, the new manager at Ashville Bay Marina, will likely sit proudly with the kids and their memories long after the fishing poles are stored away for the season.

Of course, the biggest reward wasn’t the trophies or even the fish. It was seeing kids laughing, talking, learning, and enjoying the outdoors (instead of staring silently into the world of handheld electronic devices). There’s something special about a child holding a fishing rod while waiting for that little tug on the line. Patience gets tested. Excitement builds. Then suddenly the water splashes, everybody yells advice at once, and one lucky fish discovers one lucky kid a moment away. New friendships. Events like this create memories that last.

More importantly, these events introduce youngsters to the outdoors in a welcoming way, guided by elders and experienced anglers willing to share both their knowledge and their time. That generosity deserves recognition.

Photo courtesy of Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Kids, young and old, lined the Ashville Bay Marina canals to discover the fun of the outdoors through fishing.

A sincere thank you goes out to Captain Mike Sperry, Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Bait and Tackle, Ashville Bay Marina, the volunteers, sponsors, and especially the parents who took time out of their schedules to bring their children to the event.

Fishing derbies for youth are about far more than catching fish. They are about building confidence, friendships, traditions, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Judging by the smiles seen along the marina canals last Saturday, the future of fishing looks pretty bright indeed.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

May 19: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 years old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Photo courtesy of Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Unique chainsaw-crafted trophies were provided for the kids by Vince Liuzzo, the new manager at Ashville Bay Marina.

May 21: Southtowns Walleye Association, monthly meeting, 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, 7 p.m. start.

May 21: Lake Erie Chapter of Fly Fishers International, monthly meeting, Burchfield Center, 2001 Union Road, West Seneca, guest speaker: Kirk Klingensmith, 7 p.m. start.

June 1: NYS Inland (Chautauqua Lake) Muskellunge/Tiger Musky opening day, minimum length 40 inches, daily limit of one, season ends Nov. 30. Great Lakes musky season opens June 15.

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Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.