LAKE MURRAY — The CAST FOR KIDS third annual special needs children fishing event was held at Billy Dreher Island State Park on May 25. The event was sponsored by Mt. Horeb Methodist Church, the Lake Murray Seniors Bass Club, and the Midstate Dove and Quail Club. CAST FOR KIDS is a non-profit organization that has been sponsoring special needs children events and wounded warriors events for 27 years all over the United States.
Twenty children showed up at 8:30 a.m. with their parents or guardian and were met by members of the Seniors Bass Club. The children and their adult were paired up with the bass club boaters.
Each child was given a spinning outfit, a tackle box and a T-shirt. Each boater was given a CAST T-Shirt and cap. All the children reported having a great time fishing and boat riding.
The boats reported back in about 11:30 a.m. and all participants were treated to a barbecue lunch provided by Jim Edwards and his family. After lunch Jeff Barnes, southeast director for CAST, introduced FLW Pro and 2014 Forrest Wood Cup Champion, Anthony Gagliardi, to the group. Anthony talked about fishing his first bass tournament with his father when he was eight or nine years old and weighing in one bass at the exact shelter where the event was held. He also emphasized the importance of getting children involved in fishing as an outdoor activity and sustaining the sport. Each kid was then presented a plaque with a picture of themselves and their boat captain.