Saturday is fine for kids' fishing

MOSES LAKE - Kids don't have to grab their fishing poles Saturday, they'll have one waiting for them at the Kids' Fish-In at Cascade Park.

Registration is $5 and gets kids 5-14 years old a Zebco rod and reel, bait and the chance to catch up to two stocked fish.

Kids can register before the event at the Moses Lake Parks and Recreation Department office, 411 S. Balsam St. They can be reached at 509-764-3805.

"The idea behind it is to get kids outside, get them into the great outdoors, and fishing is a big part of that," said event organizer Alan Heroux. "If you can get kids fishing, it just helps make them  more well-rounded individuals."

It gives parents that fish an opportunity to share the experience with their children, he said.

"It's just a fun event," he added.

The event also gives kids a better chance of catching a fish than they might have otherwise.

"We've had a few people not catch fish through the years, but not many," he said. "Most of the time everybody walks away with a fish. Fishers don't always get that option when they're out fishing."

The water at Cascade Park will be stocked with fish on Friday. Kids will fish in a netted area, although catching a fish is not guaranteed. Photos will be taken of the children with any fish they catch.

Tri-State Outfitters donated worms and bait.

All fishing gear will be provided and personal gear is not allowed.

There will be five rounds of fishing starting at 9 a.m., with 100 kids fishing during each round.  Once a child reaches the limit of two fish, they move on to the cleaning station.

"It's like a first-time fishing event for kids," said Heroux, adding that all skill levels are welcome.

Heroux has helped organize the event for the past four years, but said he has lots of help.

"It's really a collaboration between a lot of different groups that come together," he said.