We are in the process of organizing a smaller event, approx. 30 kids. we are having a Take a Child fishing Day for kids that are not normally able to go. It is going to be on the same weekend that free fishing is allowed here in Iowa. Are there any tips that might help us in doing this? Thought of having snacks and drinks, and maybe having a few items up for raffle. (free door prizes)
 Interested in your thoughts on this.

I sent you a PM. I have a bit of info for you, get back to me. Well, I tried to PM you but the site decided it had other ideas. I will try again, if not PM me. Tom

great idea hutchinson and welcome to the forum. make sure you have plenty of help, it sounds like you are doing this as a group. even a small event is hard if you don't have a little help. I have a couple of thoughts on this. hopefully you are planning this for a place where the kids have a pretty decent chance of hooking up. you did not mention the age group, if they are pretty young make plans for some that may loose patience or interest. Is this going to be an event where the kids will be able to keep the fish that they catch or is it strictly catch and release. Tom mentioned that he tried to PM you, he showed me a certificate that illinois has for kids and their first fish. it may be fun to do something like this. finally if you plan on giving out door prizes or a raffle make sure there is something for all the kids as you don't want to make some feel bad and possibly not continue to fish for the rest of their lives.

This is a very important thing that you are doing and I feel everyone should do at least something to introduce a new person to fishing.

Brian

Bpeterson, thank you very much for the welcome! As far as the place, yes, they should have a great chance of catching fish. It is a smaller lake but it is full of big gills, crappie, large mouth and pike. Last years Largemouth were about12-15 inchers and there are some very nice gills and Pike in there. As far as the ages we are shooting for are from 5-12. We will have doorprizes/raffles and will make sure there is enough for each child to get at least something. Was actually thinking of giving an award for biggest/smallest fish. We are working hard in trying to get donation/sponsors. I know it is still early, but do not want to be caught behind. So far we have had 1 kids pole donated and a 10.00 donation. As far as keeping the fish, It will be totally up to the child. I will probably recommend that they release the fish to see if they can catch it again or even the next year. The reason, we are doing this is because, I k=have children of my own and since their first time fishing they beg and beg me to go all the time. even ice fishing. It just makes a person smile on the inside so much to see them having fun!

hutchinson: Seems the web addy I gave you is no longer valid. Try an email at baitflare@yahoo.com. Tom

Ok, i sent you the email last night