The fish were jumpin'

Wawayanda Creek filled with 400 trout for Take a Kid Fishing Day

WARWICK — On Saturday, May 17, more than 100 youngsters along with their parents or grandparents, enjoyed comfortable temperatures, clear blue skies and a creek well stocked with trout.

For the first time in the history of the event, "Take a Kid Fishing Day," sponsored by the Warwick Valley Rod & Gun Club, had been postponed for safety.

Heavy rains during the week before the scheduled date of May 3 had raised the level and increased the speed of the Wawayanda Creek to what might have been an unsafe condition for young anglers.

But thanks to the rescheduling, families were still able to enjoy another "Take a Kid Fishing Day" on May 17.

Earlier that morning the Club members stocked approximately 400 trout in Wawayanda Creek on Baird Farm. And every boy and girl also received a valuable prize to take home.

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."

- Roger Gavan