MANHATTAN – For the past 20 years, the Tuttle Creek Lake Association (TCLA) has sponsored an event that teaches fishing skills to about 100 kids each year. This year’s Annual Youth Fishing Clinic, to be held May 29-30, marks the 21st year for this outstanding event, which is open to youth ages 8-12. All young anglers must be accompanied by an adult for the Friday evening class and the Saturday fishing experience. The TCLA and the City of Manhattan split the $3,000 purchase price for 700 to 1,000 harvestable-sized channel catfish that will be stocked in Jerry Dishman Lake in Anneberg Park, 3801 Anderson, Manhattan. A sizable number of these fish are lunkers and will provide real thrills for lucky young anglers. A three-fish limit is in effect for channel catfish during the clinic.
The event begins on Friday evening, May 29, with a two-hour education session. After the evening session, a drawing will be held for the kids and then each will receive a goodie bag of other fishing items. The TCLA realizes that this event couldn’t happen without the parents’ support, so several nice prizes will be drawn for them, too.
Saturday morning starts with donuts donated by Varsity Donuts in Aggieville. Poles are handed out and the fishing starts. Each young angler will receive a rod-and-reel outfit, bait, and even a stringer free of charge. After about an hour and a half, the catches will be weighed to determine trophy winners. Trophies are given for biggest fish, smallest fish, and heaviest stringer in boy and girl divisions. After all this, the kids are treated to a pizza and soda lunch.
TCLA is funded mostly by donations from businesses, individuals and memorials. Raffle ticket sales account for a small portion of the income.
Preregistration is required to attend the clinic. For more information and to preregister, go to www.tuttlecreek.org .
