Kid's Fishing Day '08

Michigan Free Fishing Day means one thing on the Huron-Manistee National Forests - Kids Fishing Day.

Every year, the Huron-Manistee National Forest hosts three Kids Fishing Day Events to encourage kids to "Get In the Woods!" This year's events at Mio Pond, Nichols Lake, and Crystal Lake had a total of more than 300 participants. Starting early in the morning and ending in late afternoon, the children were provided with fishing poles, bait and instruction on how to use both. Attendees ranged from barely walking to 16 years old.

In addition to fishing, each location had an array of activities for the young anglers, including a live turtle tank, a casting contest, and a poster display. Food and prizes were donated at each event by partners. From new fishing poles to new tackle boxes, everyone had something to bring home.

Partners included: From the Baldwin Area: The National Wild Turkey Federation - Chapters: the White River Longbeards, the Bitely/Baldwin Chapter, the Fremont Area Chapter, the Newaygo Valley Gobblers, and the Grant Gobblers, the Newaygo County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, the Bitely Better Conservation Club, Nichols Lake Association, Boy Scouts of America, and local business owners. From the Manistee Area: the Wellston Boosters Association. And from the Mio area partners included: the Mio Lions Club, Jigs Up Bait and Tackle, Glens Market, and McDonalds.