Catch a Special Thrill

The weather could not have been nicer.  The fish were feisty and ready to bite.  Everything was in place for the C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) event facilitated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The event was held at Bonneville Hatchery, a great location in the Columbia River gorge.  About 40 people, aged seven to adult signed up for the event. 

Just around 9am, the first waves of families began to arrive to claim their fishing pole, tackle box, t-shirt, and hat.  I met Sarah just as she arrived and decided to help her fish and enjoy the other activities.  We gathered our gear and headed directly to the fishing pond.  No, Sarah did not need any casting lessons at the casting station.  She was ready to catch her first fish.  No more than a minute went by after her worm hit the water when she got a bite.  Her fish was the first of many fish to be caught that day.

Fishing was by far the most popular activity of the day but other activities included a casting station, salmon migration mini golf, a water safety demonstration, and a wheel to spin and win prizes.  And of course, we can’t forget the biggest fish at the event either.  That would be Herman the Sturgeon and his friends.   The day ended with a BBQ lunch and a ceremony in which each individual was called up to receive a plaque with their picture.  A nice souvenir to remember the day. 

This event was made possible by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the C.A.S.T. Foundation, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kiwanis, and United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon and SW Washington.