Although it was a hot Saturday, kids, youngsters, parents and wanna-be anglers came out on July 11 at the West Stettler pond to spend the morning catching fish.
Every year the Town of Stettler partners with Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Parks and Environment to host ‘Kids Can Catch’ event in as many towns as possible. From Coaldale, Beaumont and Coronation to Grimshaw, Magrath, Stettler and Tacklebox, to name a few, the event has been hugely successful in the past years.
“The West Stettler pond has been stocked with Northern Pike to provide recreational fishing for its residents and visitors,” said Lee Penner, director of Parks and Leisure Services. “The pike are spawning naturally and the pond is a popular fishing location.”
An annual happening as part of the National Fishing Week, the event is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors. Supported by Catch Fishing, a national program, dedicated to encouraging Canadians to head outdoors and revel in the angling heritage of the country throughout the year.
“I am just learning how to fish from my grandpa, but it is fun,” said Jaelynn Peterson, a nine-year-old girl who had come out with her grandfather John Nielsen.
Nielsen said he had been fishing since he was 12 years old, and now he was 68.
“You could say it is my hobby,” said Nielsen. “I love fishing.”
There was a family from Devon, and others from around the town who had come to the pond since the event began at nine in the morning.
It is catch and release so others can enjoy this great fishing experience, said Lee.