Colorado members take military kids fishing

Colorado B.A.S.S. Nation clubs took 52 children of deployed military personnel fishing on Pueblo Reservoir.

PUEBLO, Colo. — Fifty-two boys and girls of deployed military personnel participated in a day of fishing and boating with Colorado B.A.S.S. Nation clubs, June 20, at Pueblo Reservoir.

Providing more than 20 boats for the 10th annual Fort Carson Kids Fishing Day were club members from the Denver Bassmasters, Pikes Peak Bass Masters and Centennial Bass Club. Members of the Colorado Walleye Association and the Fountain Valley Bass Club provided boat captains for the participants, who each received a free rod, reel and tackle pack and a box of nightcrawlers.

“The reservoir was at record high water levels, but the weather was perfect,” said Tom Grace, board member of the Denver Bassmasters.

“The kids enjoyed a half day of boat riding or angling for any cooperating species — largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, catfish, wipers, trout, yellow perch, carp, crappie and walleye.”

The kids enjoyed a catered lunch from Chick-fil-A, watermelon and drinks. Then, the volunteers awarded trophies for the youngest angler to catch fish; smallest, largest and most fish caught; and best “one that got away” story. All the children and boaters received T-shirts, and the kids received commemorative medallions.

“This event is a small ‘thank you’ to the families of the deployed military personnel,” said Grace, “who allow us all the freedom to enjoy a day in Colorado’s wonderful outdoors.”