The booth was a huge success and by far, the most fun booth at the show. That was proven by the large number of youth AND adults coming by to make a few casts. It was heart-warming to watched the pure antics of kids – those who politely waited for their turn and politely left when time was up – and those whose faces kept turning up like a bad penny – rather a GOOD penny in this case. They’d leave but reappear within moments with that grin any passionate angler understood. One particular 7 yr. old’s parents had said, “one more cast” about 500 times but he kept sneaking in “just one more cast.” I got his autograph because - mark my word, he’ll win the 2040 Bassmaster Classic.

The girls were just as determined. Many were dainty and precious in their little pink lacey tops with pink bows in their hair – and oh, so delicate and fragile. But they were the ones who picked up the biggest rods and reels and zinged them inter-galactic fashion across the oversized booth, into the chairs surrounding Chuck Devereaux’s distant casting tank. (Sometimes with people in them – sometimes not.) It generated a lot of giggles from the other kids but frowns and corrections from their parents. I found myself wishing I had a movie camera and a day to do nothing but film their casting methodology as they tried to hit one of six floating hula hoops. Some were on tiptoes, others crouched down, some stretched out like a giraffe and others did this cast-and-tuck almost turtle style. For some, the harmless rubber casting-plug plunked within inches of their feet while others flew out of sight.  And how they held their mouth seemed to be a major factor in success - lips puckered, pinched or sucked in like a fish. And no matter who hit the ring – cheers rang out from all while laughter and clapping filled the air. 

Occasionally, when the waiting line was short, even businessmen, wives / husbands, boyfriends / girlfriends stopped by with a grin and a wish to test their skills. And those who bragged most were usually out done by a rogue 5 year old who snuck in, unnoticed amongst the grown up’s knees. California Fish and Game had a booth within the Take Me Fishing display where rough and tough game wardens used only their softer side in helping teach little ones to cast. Their booth sold CA fishing licenses in order to bolster the sport. Fishing is losing ground to other interests like computer games and electronics which, while great for mental and manual coordination, come nowhere near the fun and healthy outdoor experience that fishing provides.  

Pardon me if I am biased but I know first hand after 5 generations of anglers in my own family, what fishing does for family bonding and what it teaches youth about life – like patience, sportsmanship, conservation, etc. I was impressed that California has a free youth fishing license. Little ones were so proud to have their very own and probably first ever license in life.