Kids catch fish plus fun

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Annabel Monroe
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The week of June 6-14, 2015, marks National Fishing and Boating Week.  To help kick off the week Malmstrom Air Force Base; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; and two local hatcheries collaborated to improve quality of life for military members and their dependents and encourage appreciation of the area's natural beauty.

The 341st Force Support Squadron and the 341st Civil Engineering Squadron joined forces to help children and parents gathered at Pow Wow Park celebrate Kids Fishing Day, June 6. Declared by Montana as a Free Fishing Day, those without fishing licenses were allowed to participate. 

"We wanted to let the kids fish, we love to fish and thought it was a great opportunity for them," said Krista Spencer, whose daughter caught among the largest fish of the day.

The nearly seven-pound rainbow trout was caught on a pink toy pole by Adalyn Spencer, 6, daughter of Krista and Staff Sgt. Adam Spencer, 561st Network Operation Squadron mission support analyst.

"We will cook him up and have him for dinner," said Adalyn.

To ensure there were plenty of fish to catch, the Lewistown Fish and Wildlife Service stocked the pond with 12 inch and larger trout, as well as three to five pound rainbow trout from the Ennis Hatchery.  Each person was allowed to catch two fish and have the fish weighed.

"I felt happy when I caught a fish," said Jaycee Chandler, 5.

"Me and daddy got a fish in the water, it was yucky and we pulled!" said Harper Chandler, 3.

Mackenzie and Staff Sgt. Colton Chandler, 12th Missile Squadron facility manager, brought their daughters out to help catch dinner, they joked.

Other highlights included educational activity tents, grilled hot dogs and drinks. Tents included animal pelts brought by the 341st Civil Engineering Squadron. An aquarium display was set up by Fish and Wildlife Offices, and rangers were on site to answer questions.

Planning for the event began in April and included more collaboration than years past in an effort to make this year's Kids Fishing Day the best event possible.

"The turnout was spectacular and we had the largest number of fish caught," said Steve Surls, 341st FSS recreation specialist. "We also received great giveaways this year.

"We would like to say thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make this year's Kids Fishing Day a great success," he added.