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Catching Memories for a Lifetime

By Terry Larson,

Northern Adventures Guide Service

Whether you're a child or a adult, in the Bemidji area, you have probably heard of, or known someone who was involved in, "Take-A-Kid Fishing". For three decades now, Bemidji volunteers and area kids have been getting together for memories that enrich both their lives, and doing so, pass on a tradition that is true Minnesotan.

This years event will be held on June 4, includes a wonderful day on the water with a great guide, demonstrations of how to clean the fish afterwards, and then a fish fry at the state park to end the day. Girls and boys, ages 10-15, are allowed, and at no charge to them and their families, will be taught fishing techniques, boat manners, and skills needed to be a good sportsperson.

As a full time fishing guide in this area, my memories of helping start the Cass Lake "Take-A-Kid Fishing" event, about twenty years ago, are worth more than any trophy on a wall. The look on a ten year old girl, catching her first fish in my boat, or that 12 year old boy who caught his first scrappy Northern Pike, under my care, will be memories I'll cherish forever. Some years that shy girl, along with two spirited boys, would catch the biggest fish, and without bragging, show the boys true sportsmanship.
A smaller boy, along with bigger boys in my boat, would catch the most beautiful sunfish he had ever seen, and the pride would be on his face, even after the fish fry. Two girls one year, who decided together, that all the fish would be returned to the water to grow bigger. That outing, showed me that they had a lifetime of fishing and creating great memories, ahead of them. I could go on and on, those kids not only learned from me, as a professional guide, I learned from them.

Volunteers and businesses in our community give of their time and resources to make this event the success it is each year. Countless hours of planning, coordinating of schedules and facilities, and sheer determination, make this once a year event, something we can all be proud of in our area.

We in the northwoods of Minnesota, are blessed with so many fine traditions that have been passed down for generations, I can't even begin to mention them all. But there is one thing I know for sure, and someone wise said it many years ago, "You can feed someone fish, and satisfy their needs for a day, but if you teach them to fish, it will last a lifetime". So whether you are an adult in the Bemidji area with a love for fishing, with a little time to spare, or you know of a kid, maybe your own, who would like the experience of fishing, get involved with this years event. Check out our web site for details and more information, and like me, you will catch a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Good luck fishing.

Terry Larson