Now that school is out we're back to having our Fishing with the GM events at our hotel and today's event was a success. We had about 8 kids and a few adults join us for the morning. My son, Matt, also helped out. 

 

We get there a bit early and I take a few casts with my gear hoping to get my bass fix in before the festivities start but I drew blanks. Then we set up the spincast rods and drop a few lines in to see if the bluegill are schooling anywhere. We use tiny #1 hooks along with redworms and nightcrawlers to increase the odds of catching something.

 

At first I was a bit worried because neither Matt nor myself got a bite around the docks where we normally find them. But we moved down the bank and hit the jackpot as the kids arrived. It was fast and furious baiting hooks for two hours as the kids kept catching fish after fish. For the kids brave enough to handle the fish we show them how to gently release the fish without causing injury or additional trauma.

 

These sessions normally last an hour but the kids wanted to keep going so we fished over two hours. At the end we do a group photo and kids get a certificate of achievement. Missile Baits is the sponsor for this event and I provide all the parents with promo codes for discounts on their gear.

 

As some of you know, I fish MLF Phoenix and Toyota Series events (I'm also doing a few Bassmaster Opens later this year) and I was wearing my tournament jersey for this event (my hotel is my primary sponsor and it's on the jersey) and as we were packing up more adults guests were coming down to the lake and asked about what we were doing. I handed out more promo codes and one of the ladies asked to take a selfie with me. My first fan!

 

Anyway, it was a great day with all of the kids catching multiple fish. We'll do it again next week.

 

@Koz

Good for you!!

You should be commended for all your time and efforts working with kids and giving them a fishing life lesson. 
 

Also, the best of luck fishing the Opens, Toyota Series and the MFL and B.A.S.S circuits.
As I’ve mentioned before, also I fish those as a co angler and have for years. 
I certainly know the time, effort and monetary commitment involved to be competitive and it sure helps to have a major sponsor. 

Best of luck moving forward in all your commitments 

 

 

 

Mike

 

Great way to give back and good for our local Virginia guy, John Crews to sponsor it.