Corsicana —
Nearly 400 kids tackled the lake at the IOOF park Saturday, in the eleventh annual Hooked on Fishing event.
Both sides of the lake were crammed with kids and parents vying to catch the biggest fish of the day with a 10-foot boat up for grabs.
Fishing sets including rods, tackle, bait and camping gear were also among the prizes for first, second and third places in each category of fish.
Hooked on Fishing organizer Sam McCollum said that out of the 140 sets of rods, tackle and bait being provided to the youthful anglers, all of them were in use by 8:45 a.m.
500 pounds of catfish were put in the water earlier this week in preparation for the event, while perch and bass were also being caught.
“It has been a busy morning,” said McCollum. “There is a lot of fish being caught so that is a good thing.
“I am very happy with the turn out. The kids are excited, and that’s what we are trying to do, get the kids outdoors and get them excited about fishing.”
Walmart, Gander Mountain, Community National Bank and Bank of America were among 71 businesses sponsoring the event.
Volunteers from Kohl’s, Chilis, the City of Corsicana and Russell Stover Candies all gave their time to help with the smooth running of the morning.
Russell Stover volunteer Angela Farmer has been involved with Hooked on Fishing for the last five years.
“We are doing pretty good,” she said. “We are having a good time. This is my fifth year. I enjoy coming back and helping the kids. Anything for the kids then I like to be involved.”
Parents also made an effort to get their kids involved, with 8-year-old Jaden Kistler being brought by father David to participate for the sixth time in a row.
“I’m going to catch one the size of Godzilla,” said Kistler.
Another regular participant Addi Rogers, 10, was at the event with mother Alicia and Dad, Ray Rogers, for the second time.
“I have been here since 6:30 a.m. and I will may be win something,” said Addi.”
McCollum confirmed that hot-dogs would be on the grill later on and he still expected new contestants to arrive right up until 10 a.m.
He has been fishing as long as he can remember, he explained, and he started the tournament 11 years ago after seeing how much awareness kids could pick up from being around wildlife.
“It is amazing how many people don’t know how to fish,” he said. “It is something that is a survival skill and something you should know how to do so this is a good way to introduce it to the kids. We are blessed with a great turn out and great weather and the fish are biting.”
Corsicana parks and recreation director Sharla Allen also helped out at the event. “I can’t say enough about Sam and all the parents that have come out today and the volunteers so it is another great success,” she said.
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Oliver Sheehan may be reached by e-mail at oliver@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Soundoff” on this story? E-mail: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
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Daily Sun photo/Ron Farmer Nearly 400 kids tackled the lake at the IOOF park Saturday, in the eleventh annual Hooked on Fishing event hosted by the City of Corsicana’s Parks and Recreation department.
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Kids compete for catch of the day
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