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Some youth get the bug, taking the bait – hook, line and sinker. That is why Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) organize Kids Fishing Day every year in Noxon.

"We had 102 kids registered this year," shared FWP's Region 1 Conservation Technician, Marc Terrazas, "and this is the 29th year FWP has held this event to educate and introduce youngsters to fishing." In preparation for the big day, Triangle Pond was stocked with fish to populate the waters for the mob of youth.

Families arrived at the park Saturday morning to register, with fishing running from 9 a.m. until noon.

"After helping him a few times, this kid is unstoppable," laughed Patti Reiter, as her eight-year-old grandson Noah Sprecher demonstrated another perfect cast, "it's only halfway through the day and he's got the longest fish, so far, at five whopping inches." Reiter was having fun watching Sprecher cast. When the line whizzed smoothly into the water ahead of him, Sprecher would nod in self-approval and reel the bait back in to repeat the process.

As per tradition, free rods and basic tackle were given to each entrant to facilitate their path to a sport of casting, reeling, and big fish stories. Educational information was also given. Their knowledge was tested in a fish identification contest – with a chance for prizes. Terrazas reported that Tilly Kreiner of Thompson Falls, took first place in the age 5-8 category for identifying fish. In the age 9-12, Bethany Epperson won, and Jacob Johnson landed first place in the 13-16 age group.

Johnson also took first place in the longest cast contest for teens. Alex Hensley of Noxon had the longest cast in the age 5-8 group, while a Trout Creek youngster registered simply as "Tough" won the title in the 9-12 age category. Five-year-old Kaiyah Harvey of Trout Creek surpassed Sprecher's record and took the award for the longest fish of the day. All entrants were put in a drawing for the grand prize of a tacklebox filled with essential gear. Kate Bosker of Noxon won that prize, according to Terrazas who shared that all prizes for contests were donated by First Security Bank of Thompson Falls.

"We are very fortunate to live in a community that supports this event," said Terrazas, noting that all the entrant goodies were frees, thanks to donations by Blackfoot. Other local donors, such as Avista and angling clubs, made sure there was enough food to go around for the free lunch at the event. Representatives Doug Grupenhoff and Eric Falzer from Forest Service were also on scene to support the event from Trout Creek.

Although there were many youths intently focused on the waters, others were just enjoying quiet moments together. Five-year-old Micah Hartman from Noxon looked very comfortable resting in his mother's lap as they gently cast his line into the water. His mother, Casey, agreed that he might be in for a nap after a long day of fishing.

"Hopefully these youth will find many opportunities to fish this summer with their new gear," said Terrazas. "Kids under 12 years of age don't need a fishing license, so it's a free-for-all for them year-round, with the exception of small stream closures in December."

With 102 entries this year, Terrazas said those numbers are steady compared to last year's 98 entrants. Noxon's Pilgrim Park was alive with youth baseball, a few of whom may have been daydreaming in the outfield about the fish that would be caught by their peers that day. Terrazas was pleased with the turnout and how the day rolled out, "We had great weather this year and are looking forward to another fun event next year."

For more information contact Marc Terrazas at 827-9205.