Kinship had our first annual Fishing Event for our Mentors and Mentees yesterday, Sunday June 12, 2022. We had 8 Mentor/Mentee pairs in attendance. The day started with a greeting and display about curly leaf pondweed and catch and release information. From there, the kids started fishing off the dock, and from shore, and caught over 50 SunFish, Bluegills, Perch and even a couple of Northern Pike, most of which were catch and release. They then enjoyed a meal that included cooking hot dogs over the fire, while waiting for the fishing guides.
The fishing guides arrived and were TJ Erickson, who is also a mentor for Kinship, Jason Durham, Bob Bateman, and Lee Skajewski. We also had the Let's Go Fishing Pontoon with 2 volunteers on board, Ron Norenberg and Ron Smoot. They all had great fishing, and were thrilled with the amount of fish they were able to catch, primarily Northern Pike and a few Walleye. One of the boats had so many bites they had to eliminate one of the lines because they had a hard time keeping up. Not only did the guides and Let's Go Fishing guys volunteer their time, but we also received some tackle from Delaney's, a $500 donation from Walmart, a $250 donation from the Water Dogs Fishing Club from the Twin Cities; who happened to be in town for a Club Event on Potato Lake June 11th and 12th and just decided to donate to Kinship. These donations covered all expenses that included food, beverages, and bait. Also, all the kids received a new fishing pole, tackle, water bottle and a few other goodies. The kids were also given a 2022 Fishing Regulations book.
We had perfect weather, overcast with a peek of sun just as we hit the water on the boats! The guides were fantastic and we plan to make this an annual event. The calendar is set for Sunday June 11, 2023.
Shameless Plug: We are searching for more mentors so if anyone is interested or would like more information they can email me, or call/text me at 218-255-0340, or Kinship at 218-732-0058, or check out our website at https://kinshipparkrapids.org/
