April 26th - Kids Fishing Day Event in Napanee

With one week to go until the world famous walleye opener, members of the Quinte Bassmasters fishing club set aside some time to promote their favorite sport by inviting local youth to join them for an afternoon at Conservation Park in Napanee. Kids, from 2-12 years of age descended on the town from every corner of the Quinte area and beyond. Their goal:  Catch and release fish dockside in order to improve their chances of winning dozens prizes. Each participant received an arm full of gifts just for showing up. The freebies included; Dave Mercer-Facts of Fishing bobble head dolls, books from the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, fishing magazines, and sample packs of ‘Gulp’ plastics.  A draw prize ticket for a parents’ draw, and one for the kids’ prizes was also issued during registration. 

For every fish caught and released, another ticket and another chance to win a draw prize, was doled out. Baker’s Baits of Napanee provided the night crawlers, the kids and the fish provided the entertainment. Draw prizes from Berkley included rod and reel packages and several buckets of ‘Gulp Alive’ baits. Gerry’s Bikes of Napanee donated a heap of kids cycling gear and accessories. Pro Advantage Paintball and Hobbies gift certificates and the parent draw prizes from Rona in Belleville were also big hits. 

About 200 children, parents, volunteers, and onlookers filled the shores of the park for the totally free event. Most of the families came from Napanee, but just as many made the trip from Kingston, Picton, Belleville, Trenton, and Brighton. The Belleville Fish and Game Club sent a strong contingent from their own youth group. In addition to thousands of dollars in gifts and draw prizes, participants were treated to barbequed hotdogs and hamburgers thanks to Goodfellow Meats of Picton. Marc Cruji of Allen Insurance and Reid’s Dairy of Belleville made sure that plenty of healthy milk and fruit juice was on hand as well. Randy Cronkwright, youth director of the Quinte Chapter of the Ontario BASS Federation Nation was very satisfied with the turnout for the event and hopes to make it an annual spring tradition.

Kevin Dorey

A Sense of Community at The Bay of Quinte