2007 Ft. Carson Kids Fishing Day Recap

by Dave Kooser

The BIGGEST and best kids fishing event in Colorado, possibly in the west took place June 16th, 2007. 40 kids, most who have a parent overseas got the chance of a lifetime to go out fishing one-on-one with either a CWA or BASS member. 38 volunteer boaters from the CWA or BASS graciously drover from as far away as Durango. This to help take these kids fishing on a day typically reserved for father/kid outings - Fathers Day Weekend. Unlike last year, Pueblo Reservoir cooperated by kicking out lots of fish to the kids. One boat, piloted by CWA member Larry Walker guided his fisherperson to where the wipers were active. They caught and kept 3 wiper averaging about 4 lbs each.

The genesis of this program unfortunately came full circle this year. The summer of 2005 my son and I were driving back from a day of fishing at Pueblo when on the radio I heard that another Ft. Carson soldier had been killed in Iraq. I wondered if that soldier had children at the local Army post. I also wondered if those kids would have the chance to get out on the water now, given their outdoor mentor was no longer with us. Within minutes I called CWA member Frank Weston and asked him if he could work the military side of my dream. Knowing Frank is a retired Army Major and had contacts at the post, I knew he could make it happen. The circle came full when one week before the event; Frank was making calls to parents whose kid was signed up. He contacted one mother who explained that her husband, the father of our future fisherman had passed away in Iraq. She explained that the kid was having troubles dealing with the drastic and saddening change in his life and would not attend the event.

After the kids returned from the water, they were fed by Lil' Caesars Pizza of Pueblo and then got the opportunity to compete in a Casting Competition held by the Pikes Peak Bassmasters. Two young anglers won the opportunity to compete at the state level. Winners from the state competition get the chance to go to a national competition where college scholarships are the winning prizes.

Events like this are not possible without the generous contributions from sponsors. Below is a list of the sponsors. Thanks sponsors.

• GMH Military Housing
• Gray Bus Line
• Lil' Caesars Pizza of Pueblo
• Coca - Cola
• DMWR
• Outlaw Bait and Tackle
• Walleye Central
• Mack's Lures
• Aurora Gander Mountain
• Sportsman's Warehouse
• Pure Fishing
• Bass Pro
• Coca-Cola
• Zebco
• Ranger Boats
• Evinrude
• Chapstick
• Castaway Rods
• Waste Management
• Colorado Division of Wildlife
• Colorado State Parks
• Matzuo