LAC?LA?BELLE?- "There's the smile of a happy kid, then there's the smile of a happy kid holding a fish," said David Menominee, organizer of the Lac la Belle Take a Kid Fishing Tournament. Forty-seven excited, smiling-faced kids participated in the sixth annual event at Lac la Belle on Aug. 21, and all 47 entrants received a new fishing rod and reel, a picnic lunch, and a goodie bag of lures and prizes donated by local sponsors and merchants. Two bicycles and a $50 bill were also awarded to lucky anglers.
Local fishing guides and anglers volunteer their time, boats, gear and know-how for the mentoring and teaching-based event designed to instill an active interest in boating and fishing among kids ages 3 to 15. Kids are taught casting, fishing techniques, live and artificial bait, and safety on the water. For information on the tournament, to volunteer, or to donate prizes, contact David Menominee, Lac la Belle Lodge, bearb8ter2001@ yahoo.com, 289-4293.
Rock Bass
Age 3-7, Ava & Ariel Olson, 10"
Age 8-15, Laura Olson, 11"
Smallmouth Bass
Age 3-7, Malik Dube 14"
Age 8-15, Dima Kristopavich, 14"
Perch
Age 3-7, Austin Ylitalo & Natlie Delmotte, 9"
Age 8-15, Dillon Bennett, 8"
Northern Pike
Age 8-15, Matthew Schrader, 24"
Walleye
Age 8-15, Jacob Schrader, 26"