Photos, prizes, and educational materials were available. A kid's casting contest and some cooperative fish helped make the festival a success. Refuge staff and volunteers and Service partners Wal-Mart and The Izaak Walton League provided instruction and loaned rods, tackle and bait.

This public outreach special event also met the goal of promoting fishing as one of the "big six" opportunities for recreation on national wildlife refuges. Several dozen enthusiastic novices were introduced to fishing as a wholesome family activity compatible with refuge management objectives. It also involved our volunteers and partners, and provided a high-profile, positive image of the refuge in the Hampton Roads community.