Fishing clinic hooks youth attention

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Some may attest that capturing the attention of adolescent youth is a challenging chore, but the Outdoor Recreation Center here defied the odds for a brief moment, March 17 and 18 during a Kids Fishing Clinic at the Goodfellow Recreation Camp.

With hooks, lines, sinkers and a mixture of squeamish kids, Kelley Kazura, 17th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation Goodfellow Camp director, gave more than 35 youth, ages 4-16, a fishing lesson in preparation for a Kids Fishing Derby, May 1.

"We are having a derby and thought we should do a preemptive strike on general instructions on how to fish," said Mrs. Kazura. "We went over hook safety, being cautious around the water and where you are stepping and the proper size hook and bobber to use, but most importantly where to look for the fish. Most people think the fish are in the middle of the lake, but fish seek structure for protection."

She also went over the environmental impact of discarding fishing lines into the water.

For 2nd Lt. Kendall Beasley, a 315th Training Squadron intelligence student, the fishing clinic was a great opportunity to bring his family out during his lunch break and enjoy the nice weather.

"I didn't know there was a clinic until someone told us about it while having dinner in the local area last night. It looked like such a nice day, so I got them out of the house; plus it was their spring break."

While there was a lot of 'nibbles' there was no fish caught that afternoon, unlike the day before at the camp.

"Yesterday was great because we were able to get some minnows fish. They are the best bait to use this time of year, the crappie fish really love them," said Mrs. Kazura. "All ten of the youth each caught a fish, what a day."

The Outdoor Recreation Camp will host an Adult Fishing Clinic in April, date and time is to be determined. It is recommended that individuals bring their own fishing gear, as the recreation camp has limited stock on hand. For more information, call (325) 944-1012.

Adults and youth age 16 and older must possess a Texas fishing license prior to fishing in any public waterway. In the State of Texas, hunting and fishing license are free for military at participating sporting goods retailer.