Take A Kid Fishing

[SS-342]

We have enjoyed taking a child from the Baptist Children's Home fishing for several years and this year was not an exception. We had a nine year old girl who was very nervous about everything. You should have seen her wide eyes as we got on plane going out the channel or seen her take off running when the first small Sea Bass came into the boat. Before our morning was over she was casting, catching fish and even touched a shark!

I don't know exactly what this day of fishing meant to her but for us it was a blessing to give back a small amount of blessings we have received.

Our thanks go out to Don England, all the boat owners who participated, the Children's Home and the people who fixed the picnic lunch. That had to be the best hot dog, cooked on a cooker/smoker using dried oak wood, that I can EVER remember eating! The beans were delicious as well.

Thanks again to everyone and Praises to THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER of EVERYTHING!

Ain't God Good!

[fishinfool]

The young man on our boat was very respectful and had a great time as well. His eyes were as big as saucers when he pulled up his first bonito. That's right, I said bonito. There were some birds working and we cast into the fray to pick up two bonito in 4 feet of water on the flats. I was as surprised as to see them as he was to catch them.
Sand trout, Specks, cats and Sea bass rounded out a wonderful day on the water. Our young man probably enjoyed the ride back as much as the fishing. It sure was great to bring a big smile to his face.
I has a friend who was new to the TAKF event. He is hooked and wants to do it again next year.
Being able to give back is wonderful.
Thanks Don.

[tallykenj]

Ditto the good time comments. I had two girls join us who had a blast. Their good time started when they saw the Backporch and I told them I had a heater on board. By the way, the outdoor portable propane heaters from Walmart are awesome. I also had some blankets. Once everyone was wrapped up and we started to head out, thier excitedment continued. It was nice to see them having fun.

My strategy was to go deep and find some rock bass and maybe flounder around some structure that's known to produce. I had all of the tricks ready. However, the morning provided some wind and easterly winds that didn't make being in 12' of water much fun. We got to our spot and quickly decided to head to some shallow water. I got back to the flats and I thought the most important thing was to get the girls on some fish and it didn't care what they were.

I hit a spot around the lighthouse that provided a nice wind break and calm water. I thought we could find something there. Even some big cats would be nice. We found a nice 21" spanish but nothing else. So, it was time to got to a favorite inshore spot that has produced bass. I wasn't sure if they were there yet as they've been known to show up closer to winter. Once we arrived there wasn't much happening. I decided this was likely going to be our last and best spot. I needed to make something happen. That's when the ol' frozen chum decided to report for duty. About 30 minutes after the chum hit the water, the bite turned on. One right after another the little guys started to go aboard. None were big enough to keep. In the mix was a nice 11" mangrove snapper. That went home with the girls.

We got back to the fort around 1:00 and found all the kids exited to see each other and telling about their adventures. Our guests jumped right in. It was so nice to see all those kids have so much fun. I know they'll be talking about for a while.

Good job to the Englands and everyone that volunteered their boats and time. I'm already looking forward to the next Take A Kid Fishing event!

P.S. Great hot dogs and cookies!!!

[dombern34]

yes! Thank you! to the England Family for putting together this amazing event. This was my second year participating and it surely won't be my last. it was great to put some faces with some of the names on this Forum as well. i had the honer of having two young men on my boat along with Mr. Bobby, we had a great trip! the fishing started off slow but as it warmed up and chased the birds around for a while we caught a pretty good bit of fish. i know these two boys had a great time and I'm grateful to have had the chance to take them. I'm ready for next year, hate that the event is only once a year. it was good seeing everybody and great to meet some new people. Thanks to David for backing me in the water and i didn't catch the Gentlemans name who helped me load back up. Hes from Cairo and had the Cobia boat. Great Guy!, Also met Bonecracker! awesome guy as well. hope everyone had a safe trip back and hope to see everyone next year!

[FUTCHCAIRO]

I AM SO GLAD EVERYONE HAD SUCCESS ON TAKF, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE , PHYSICALLY, TO CAPT. A BOAT FOR THE KIDS
THE LAST TWO YEARS. IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE THE YEARS THAT I WAS ABLE TO TAKE A KID FISHING. MY HEALTH IS IMPROVING AND HOPEFULLY I WILL BE ABLE TO GET IN ON THE FUN NEXT YEAR. A BIG THANKS TO ALL WHO WERE ABLE TO TAKE THE KIDS FISHING THIS YEAR. THANKS FOR THE ENGLAND GROUP FOR HEADIN THIS EVENT UP, I KNOW YA DID A GREAT JOB.
PA
SEMPER FI

[SS-342]

Would there be any interest in a little program next year? Introduction of the cooks, captains their crew and child. They would have a few minutes to show & tell their fishing story of the day.

So many of you, I know from the forum but have never met you face to face. I try to meet the Captains but with so much action happening, I do a poor job and would like to get to know you. I also think some may leave as soon as they get back?

Don, I would be happy to help accomplish this if we have interest and time.

[Salty Gator]

We had a blast also. The two fellas on my boat were great. They knew how to fish and were pretty good. Very polite, thoughtful and respectful. They tried to give me their gloves when I mentioned the steering wheel was cold. As always, sign me up again next year. Thanks to the England's for all of their hard work to make it happen. Thanks to the gentleman( sorry didn't catch your name) than brought that awesome grill/ smoker, and made some of the best dogs ever. Another special thanks to the Georgia boys and girl(s) for coming down. That is a pretty long drive for y'all, especially Dom who came from Albany and stayed in a hotel in thomasville( you have a place to stay next year if you want it). See y'all next year!

[reelbad]

I enjoyed cooking for all the kids and those that spent their time and efforts taking them out fishing. The grill was built for me at my son's business, Capital City Trailers on North Monroe St. Count me in next year. We might just upgrade the menu a little bit. Pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and garlic bread. ?

[SS-342]

I enjoyed cooking for all the kids and those that spent their time and efforts taking them out fishing. The grill was built for me at my son's business, Capital City Trailers on North Monroe St. Count me in next year. We might just upgrade the menu a little bit. Pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and garlic bread. ?

Hush your mouth! You'll have half the people in Madison County coming if word gets out!

Thank you so much for the BEST hotdog I've eaten in a long, long time!

[Rather-B-Fishing]

yes! Thank you! to the England Family for putting together this amazing event. This was my second year participating and it surely won't be my last. it was great to put some faces with some of the names on this Forum as well. i had the honer of having two young men on my boat along with Mr. Bobby, we had a great trip! the fishing started off slow but as it warmed up and chased the birds around for a while we caught a pretty good bit of fish. i know these two boys had a great time and I'm grateful to have had the chance to take them. I'm ready for next year, hate that the event is only once a year. it was good seeing everybody and great to meet some new people. Thanks to David for backing me in the water and i didn't catch the Gentlemans name who helped me load back up. Hes from Cairo and had the Cobia boat. Great Guy!, Also met Bonecracker! awesome guy as well. hope everyone had a safe trip back and hope to see everyone next year!

Thanks Dom for the great trip! Both of the boys had a blast! It was fun getting to experience this great event with you! Any of you guys out there needing a good rod give Dom a call. The rod he gave me to use was awesome. Thanks again to everyone who had a part in putting this event together! Thanks Don and Karen for all you do. Mr. Bobby