NEW PLYMOUTH, Idaho — The Payette River Bassmasters teamed up with a host of conservation groups to hold the Kids Conservation Clinic, June 14, at the LeRoy Atwood Ranch.
The B.A.S.S. Nation club has been involved with the fishing clinic segment of this annual event for the past 15 years, according to Chris Rambough, club president.
“It all started with a couple of 12-foot metal boats and electric trolling motors and a few kids from town, and we have built it up over the years,” Rambough said.
The club president estimated that the fishing clinic drew 450 kids and parents who fished the stocked ponds at the ranch, either from the bank or in a bass boat. Club members launched 13 bass boats on a 20-acre pond, and 35 members volunteered to take the families fishing in a boat for 30 minutes.
“We can run about 275 to 300 kids at a half-hour apiece,” said Rambough. The Idaho State Parks and Recreation Department provided life jackets for the kids and parents.
The kids caught several largemouth bass and crappie from the ponds, Rambough said. “We had a kid this year who hooked a 6-pound bass with a Snoopy pole.”
The event was open to all kids ages 6 to 17 and their parents and grandparents. Other event activities included an archery range, laser shooting range, shotgun range, Idaho Fish and Game law enforcement exhibits, rock climbing wall and ATV course.
Volunteers from the Treasure Valley Safari Club International, National Wild Turkey Federation, Idaho Fish and Game, and Pheasants Forever also helped run the various event activities.