The Wyoming Game and Fish Department along with the East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Shoshone National Forest through the U.S. Forest Service, and the Cody Optimist club, is encouraging the community to come out to Beck Lake Park on June 1st and take part in their annual “Cody Kids Fishing Day” event.
“This is a great opportunity for Cody area youth and their families to spend the day enjoying the outdoors and learning about fishing,” says Tara Hodges, G&F Information and Educational Specialist. “The event is free of charge and the entire family is encouraged to attend.”
Kids and adults alike will have the opportunity to catch yellow perch, cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Expert anglers will be available to instruct anyone who wants to learn how to be a better fisherman.
Experts say that fishing is a wonderful way for parents to teach, bond, and spend quality time with their children.
“Fishing provides a number of attributes that help raise high well adjusted, high functioning children,” according to the website Fish Travel Eat. Some of the specific benefits of teaching a child to fish are creative and imaginative thinking, quality time with a parent who is present — not distracted by video games, cell phones, etc. — and most importantly, “fishing promotes confidence,” according to the website.
As parents, the time a child spends watching a screen is always a concern. Fishing promotes spending time outdoors, builds characters, and teaches them skills that will last a lifetime.
“We make [the fishing derby] a fun event as well as an educational event. We teach kids a clean, outdoor hobby that they can enjoy the rest of their lives,” echoes David Sweet, Board member of the East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Other reasons why fishing for kids is a great idea includes:
- You can teach them how to fish, and you can both learn from the experience. Kids will be able to ask questions, and you can both learn from the fishing trip together.
- They will learn about about being careful and staying safe when fishing.
- You can also use fishing as a way to help your family get through a tough time.
- Fishing can be a great hobby for your whole family.
The annual “Cody Kids Fishing Day” event starts at 9AM, registration begins at 8AM. The first 350 kids 14 and under who register will get a free fishing pole and gift bag. Additional prizes will be awarded at the end of the event including a grand prize of a two-person inflatable kayak. Also, lucky participants who catch a tagged fish will win a free lifetime conservation stamp.
