Kids Reel Up A Good Time At 'Hooked On Fishing' Event

Anglers abound as hundreds in Grand Forks try and catch some fish. The 5th annual "Hooked On Fishing" event had kids anxious to get a bite.

The fish may be small, but the pride is big as 13-year-old Cole Weber holds up one of the first catches of the day.

"We're going to fry it up," Weber said.

Weber came out to Ryan Lake with a friend to hopefully catch a few fish. It only took about 15 minutes before he felt something on his line.

"We were just sitting there and Chance got a couple bites and I went in there after a little bit and I got one," Weber said.

The Grand Forks Park District started the event so kids like Weber could have an outdoor activity. Sponsors like Scheels donate fishing rods and tackle boxes. The lake gets stocked with new fish to catch each year.

"The North Dakota Game and Fish Department stocks it every year with 700 lake trout and last year they also put blue gills in it," one of the organizers John French said.

More than 500 people came out to fish today and whether they catch something or not, they're just happy to be outdoors enjoying the nice weather.

"Just 4 pieces of seaweed and 2 branches." fisherman Landon Walker said.

With each cast Weber makes, there is a hope for another fish. And the happiness on his face makes it worth it for volunteers.

"This is my favorite day of the year, it's just a joy to be out here with all these kids having so much fun," French said.

Parents say the event is a good way for kids to learn the basics of fishing.

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