By Steve Weisman

Youngsters ages 6-15 are invited to take part in the annual Kids Free Fishing Clinic at Stolley’s Pit in Spencer on Wednesday, May 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC), the outing will consist of seminar stations, fishing contest, supper and awarding of prizes.

Terry Thomsen, president of the IGLFC and one of the organizers, says, “This is an activity we do annually for any youngsters (ages 6-15). Even though the clinic is held in Spencer, we encourage youngsters in this age group that live in northwest Iowa to come and be part of this free fishing clinic. We have members from all over northwest Iowa, and we encourage them to have youngsters from their area come and participate. Last year we had 113 youngsters in attendance, and we hope for more this year.”

Registration will be from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the shelterhouse. Youngsters are asked to bring their own pole and tackle and a small bucket. The fishing club will provide the bait for the fishing contest.

According to Dean Jacobsen, treasurer of the IGLFC and another clinic organizer, parents and grandparents are welcome to attend. “For those younger anglers, it would really help to have an adult stick around to help out. At the same time, we will have a host of adult volunteers to help things go smoothly.”

Clinic schedule

Schedule for the outing includes a series of seminar stations with youngsters rotating from one station to the next.  The seminars will last from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Fish cleaning
• Knots and tackle
• DNR fish ID
• DNR safety

The fishing contest will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded based on length only for each species of fish. All fish will be live released. All registered boys and girls will receive a specially designed fishing clinic T-shirt and a fishing gear packet sponsored by Fisherman’s Factory Outlet.

Jacobsen adds that a special grand prize drawing will also be held. “The IGLFC is really excited about this prize. Shane Aikin, owner of Great Lakes Guide Service, is giving a late afternoon/evening guided fishing trip for the youngster whose name is drawn. The trip will also include parent/grandparent – up to three other people.”

Supper provided by IGLFC will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. All registered girls and boys will receive a prize.

Thomsen notes, “The even will be held rain or shine. In event of bad weather, the clinic will be held indoors at the fairgrounds. Listen to KICD for location change information. If people have questions, they can call (712) 260-3382 or (712) 260-4853.”

Both Thomsen and Jacobsen give a tip of the hat to all of the sponsors of the Fishing Clinic. Thomsen adds, “Without the help and involvement of our sponsors, this event could not happen. This year we are in excess of 100 sponsors, and the IGLFC thanks them for their support. These youngsters are the future of fishing, and with the help of our sponsors, they are getting the chance to experience what we hope is both a fun and educational fishing clinic.”