The Ocean Pines Angler’s Club will join the community’s recreation and parks department for Teach a Kid to Fish Day this Saturday at the South Gate Pond, beginning at 9 a.m.
Last year’s event went well, according to organizer Walt Boge, and this year’s event, held the day before Father’s Day, could provide participants with the perfect Norman Rockwell moment in scenic Ocean Pines.
“A dad teaching his kid to fish is probably the best way to build a family relationship, but, believe it or not, sometimes the parents and the grandparents learn in addition to what the kids learn,” Boge said. “We had a pretty good turnout last year and the weather held up, so everything went off without a hitch.”
Boge estimated the event has been running in Ocean Pines for 10-12 years.
“The whole idea of our club is oriented towards fishing and one of our tenets is to try to get kids to enjoy the concept of fishing and join in fishing expeditions,” Boge said. “One way to do that is to have the kids come in and learn a little more about the basics of fishing: different kinds of bait, how to tie a knot, how to cast a line, and then how to treat fish if they’re going to throw them back in the water.”
Children will have the opportunity to learn those skills at stations set up around the pond. Participants can register, for free, to win a number of prizes, including the grand prize of a fishing rod and reel.
During the event, kids will also have the opportunity to get a little hands-on experience.
“We provide bait for them, so after they learn the basic things, they can go to the pond with their parents or grandparents and start fishing,” Boge said. Sunfish, bluegills, bass and even the occasional catfish can be found in the pond.
“Hopefully, the kids learn a little bit more about fishing and the joys of it,” Boge said. “Basically that’s the whole idea – get them to enjoy fishing. Hopefully, kids will take what they learned in this event and then take part in our kid’s fishing contest on July [18].”
No license is required to fish in the pond. Ages 4-16 are welcome.
For more information, call 410-208-2855.
