Take a Kid Fishing by the numbers: 400 trout; 150 kids; everyone a winner

WARWICK ­— The threat of thunderstorms may have caused a lighter turn out than usual. But the storms never arrived and Saturday, May 5, turned out to be an ideal day for catching fish as about 150 youngsters along with their parents or grandparents enjoyed comfortable temperatures, cloudy skies and a creek well-stocked with trout.

Thanks to an annual community service provided by the Warwick Valley Rod & Gun Club families enjoyed another opportunity to “Take a Kid Fishing Day.” And every boy and girl also received a valuable prize to take home.

Earlier that morning the club members stocked approximately 400 trout in Wawayanda Creek on Baird Farm.

The picturesque farm, which has often served as a backdrop for television and print media commercials, has traditionally been the site of the annual event held for children who live in the Town of Warwick.

“Take a Kid Fishing Day,” organized by Club members for youngsters under age 14, is provided for children who do not have access to a stream or the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife and environment surrounding their community.

Although many of the participants were successful, a child did not have to catch a fish to win one of the prizes awarded at the close of the event. Since it is not a contest, it has been the practice for the Club to award a prize to every participating child, whether the child was lucky that day or not. The prizes, most of which were donated by the local business community and some individuals, included fishing rod and reel combos, vests, tackle boxes, lures and other outdoor recreation items.

Contributions collected during the day and proceeds from the sale of food and refreshments will be used exclusively for next year’s “Take a Kid Fishing Day.”