Jed Proujansky, USFWS volunteer, teaches children how to tie a fly.

Emma Kerr, refuge intern, teaches a child how to spincast.

Jim Lagacy of Mass Div. of Fisheries & Widllife gets visitors outfitted with the proper fishing rod.

USFWS retiree and published author of "Learn to Fly-fish in 24 Hours" Bob Sousa instructs fly-casting.

Doug Smithwood of USFWS Fisheries and crew (includes Mary Simone an intern from Parker River NWR)display electrofishing boat.

On Saturday, May 31st more than 150 people attended Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge's Annual Fishing Event!  Participants included two busses full of children and their families from Boston's inner city Trotter School (a school that participates in refuge urban ed program).  Despite early morning sprinkles and the rumble of thunderstorms, people from all over Massachusetts came out to learn how to spincast, fly-fish, tie their own fly and  learn about electrofishing.  A fun bonus was the face painting and craft stations run by a local Girl Scout troop.  Close to a dozen boy scouts earned their fly-fishing merit badge this day as well.  At least half of the people that participated in the spincast station caught a fish which included catfish and bluegills. Although some anglers wanted to take their catch home, this was a catch and release event. This wonderful experience was in partnership with Massachusetts Division of  Fisheries and Wildlife (who sent several volunteers along with Angler Ed expert, Jim Lagacy), FWS volunteers and FWS retiree Bob Sousa, and staff from the USFWS Division of Fisheries in NH and Parker River NWR in MA.  As the day wrapped up and people dried off, many of the smiling faces asked "When's your next event?"  It was great to see so many people come out to celebrate the tradition of fishing and  become excited about future opportunities they can find by visiting their local national wildlife refuge.