Fresh And Saltwater Anglers Help Their Communities, Their Kids

Photo Credit Don McDowell

DADS, SONS -- enjoy the thrill of fishing, many kids for the first time. Eighty-eight fathers and sons gathered earlier this summer at Dairy Springs Camp Ground, west of Mormon Lake to experience the joys of bonding in one of the favorite Arizona outdoors activities.

Through out the year, anglers take time to help their communities. Some of the events that they host to benefit their communities and the kids are both in saltwater and fresh water venues. A Summer Event To Encourage The Kids

One example held earlier this summer in San Diego was the 7th Annual IGFA Youth Fishing Tournament at Shelter Island Pier. (The concessionaire is Jim Palmer from Arizona.)

All kids receive a goody bag, plus rods and gear if they need them. The event is sponsored and run by IGFA representatives John Campbell, Jack Innis, Catherine Miller and IGFA Trustee Mike Farrior.

Make A Wish Tuna Challenge 2009

Visit Wish.org to learn online about the nation’s largest wish-granting organization. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From the starting impetus — one boy’s wish to be a police officer — the organization has grown to the point that it is able to grant a child’s wish in the United States every 40 minutes.

In support of this valuable organization, the Make A Wish Tuna Challenge 2009 is set for Sept. 11-13 in San Diego.

And, A Tournament To Help Art Students

The late Chuck Byron was a well-known sportfishing artist. Since his passing, his wife Lori Byron has continued to support young art students with her “Fish On!” tournament, scheduled for Sept. 19-20 in San Diego this fall.

Encouraging Their Sons To Fish

Desert Breeze Community Church hosted the second annual Father and Son Campout, headquartered at the Dairy Springs Camp Ground, west of Mormon Lake. The outing catered to 88 Fathers and sons, more sons than fathers. With the help of volunteers from Arizona Game & Fish Sport Fishing Education, Cynthia Dupra, her husband and son, and Don McDowell, conservation director from AZ Bass Federation Nation, a “Fishing Clinic” was held at the Lower Lake Mary Cabana area for 55 fathers and sons.

Rods, reels, tackle and baits were given to those who didn’t have their equipment. Tips on catching the rainbow trout and channel catfish inhabiting the shallow Lower Lake were shared with excited anglers. Editor’s Note: The above are only a very few of many events throughout the year in the Southwest. For example, Arizona Game & Fish sponsors many clinics and events that encourage youngsters to start fishing and to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. If you have news of such events, please e-mail your stories and photos to editor@azbw.com.