Eglin's Youth Fishing Rodeo excites local youth

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Mike Nunley and his son Parker encourage brother Mason as he reels in a catfish during the Eglin Youth Fishing Rodeo at Prisoner Pond May 26. "My boys had a wonderful time and were very excited to be fishing with other children in such a beautiful place," said Mr. Nunley, a Science Applications International Corporation marine and environmental scientist. "They talked about fishing the rest of the day." The event was held on Prisoner Pond, an approximately five acre lake at the 6th Ranger Training Battallion compound. Members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stocked the pond with approximately 3,000 channel catfish that were provided by the USFWS Welaka National Fish Hatchery in preparation for the Rodeo event. Additionally, Jackson Guard purchased approximately 1,000 pounds of catfish that was added to the pond before the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jerron Barnett)

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Eglin's Youth Fishing Rodeo excites local youth

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Rhianna Hamilton keeps a safe distance from her catch as her grandfather Steve Griner showcases her accomplishment at the Eglin Youth Fishing Rodeo May 26-27. The event was held on Prisoner Pond, an approximately five acre lake at the 6th Ranger Training Battallion compound. Members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stocked the pond with approximately 3,000 channel catfish that were provided by the USFWS Welaka National Fish Hatchery in preparation for the Rodeo event. Additionally, Jackson Guard purchased approximately 1,000 pounds of catfish that was added to the pond before the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jerron Barnett)

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Eglin's Youth Fishing Rodeo excites local youth

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Arlene Copeland sizes a hat her seven-year old daughter, Carissa, won for catching one of the biggest fish (five pounds) during the first morning time period. The event was held on Prisoner Pond, an approximately five acre lake at the 6th Ranger Training Battallion compound. Members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stocked the pond with approximately 3,000 channel catfish that were provided by the USFWS Welaka National Fish Hatchery in preparation for the Rodeo event. Additionally, Jackson Guard purchased approximately 1,000 pounds of catfish that was added to the pond before the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jerron Barnett)

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Eglin's Youth Fishing Rodeo excites local youth

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lee Sikes, 6th Ranger Training Battalion commander, removes a hook from a fish for his son Blake during the Youth Fishing Rodeo event May 26. The event was held on Prisoner Pond, an approximately five acre lake at the 6th Ranger Training Battallion compound. Members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stocked the pond with approximately 3,000 channel catfish that were provided by the USFWS Welaka National Fish Hatchery in preparation for the Rodeo event. Additionally, Jackson Guard purchased approximately 1,000 pounds of catfish that was added to the pond before the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jerron Barnett)

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Eglin's Youth Fishing Rodeo excites local youth

Published June 1, 2007
By Jerron Barnett
Eglin Environmental Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- With Eglin's first Youth Fishing Rodeo now in the books, Eglin outdoor recreation officials look forward to making it an annual Memorial Day event, given the feedback they received from the approximately 200 children and parents who participated in the event on May 26-27.

"We wanted to host a high-quality fishing experience on Eglin for a long time," Justin Johnson, Jackson Guard's outdoor recreation program manager, said. "We felt that if we focused the event on the kids, we could get more people involved."

As parents and even some grandparents cast out chicken liver or bologna-baited hooks into Prisoner Pond for their children, young fishing enthusiasts like six-year-old Rhianna Hamilton wrestled about and reeled in an average of six fish each. Hamilton and her grandfather Steve Griner reeled one of the biggest fish during the first of three time periods on May 26.

"Me and my paw-paw caught a big one," Hamilton said after finally being able to pull a six-pound channel catfish to shore with brief help from her grandfather. 'It was really hard to pull, but my paw-paw helped me."

For some families, it was the perfect opportunity to fish together and break in some newly purchased poles.

"This is a really great thing Eglin put on here today," Dalila Deiters, mother of five-year-old Jared Deiters, said. "We bought Jared this pole and he's been able to catch some fish with it. We've got perfect weather too, you can't beat that."

Lt. Col. Lee Sikes, Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion commander, and his family also enjoyed the event.

"It certainly was a great opportunity for me and my family and overall it was a great outreach tool to reach the kids in the community," Col. Sikes said. "We had a nice fish fry at my house on Sunday and my son caught the biggest fish of the day (10 pounds)."

Mr. Johnson said the event couldn't have run so smooth if not for the contributions of the partners that helped put the event together.

"We couldn't have done it without them," Mr. Johnson said of the Army Rangers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel who provided transportation to the pond from the parking area, security, educational displays and fish stock for the pond. "I'd also like to thank the Eglin Chiefs' Group, Wal-Mart and the Bass Pro Shop for the donations they made to the event."

Although he will be assigned to another unit later this summer, Col. Sikes said the Army Rangers look forward to participating in future events such as this.

"We'd love to help out again," Col. Sikes said. "Educating the community on the environment is an important part of what we do and it's a rewarding experience for youth and the Rangers alike."

Count the USFWS in, too.

"Our National Director is a huge proponent of educating a generation of children who appreciate and conserve the environment," Bill Tate, USFWS fish biologist said. "Also, recreational fishing is one of the oldest aspects of our organization so we'd love to contribute again. In fact, I've already asked for another 2,500 catfish from our Welaka Hatchery for next year's event."