MARYLAND FISHING CHALLENGE - Youth Component

Type: Nontidal
Region: Northern
Location: Gwynnbrook Pond

The Northwest MSSA Chapter #4 hosted their 2nd annual Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, May 21, at Gwynnbrook Pond. Organizer, Harvey Riley says they hold this event to teach the kids when they are young so they continue fishing. In order to continue fishing, the MSSA Chapter provided a fishing rod and reel to all kids. In addition, all kids got a "goody" bag stuffed with fishing tackle, a t-shirt and educational material and MSSA also provided lunch. Many volunteers were on hand to assist the 22 young anglers (ages 3 to 15) with casting, baiting and fishing. A Reserve Officer from MD Natural Resources Police was on site and handed out MD Fishing Guides.

The fishing was good on Saturday; every youth angler caught fish including hybrid sunfish (stocked by MD DNR Fisheries Service), bluegills and bullheads. "Today the girls are out fishing the boys", Harvey says. This was evident with Haille catching a whooping 24 fish on the day. Prizes were awarded for the largest fish (boy and girl) and most fish overall.

I was there to represent DNR-Fisheries in support of our partnering with MSSA for the Youth Component of the Maryland Fishing Challenge featuring Diamond Jim. Devin Angleberger, age 14, was the lucky angler selected to move on to the finale' which will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival on September 10, 2011 at Sandy Point Park. Devin will be in a special drawing for youth for one of the many fishing trips donated by our partners.