Clubs, sportsmen's groups, agencies and even cities around Minnesota sponsor fishing events for kids — all aimed at hooking youths on angling and the outdoors.
Don Petermeier and his small group, Freeport Family Fishing at Freeport, Minn. — just north of St. Cloud — are among the unsung heroes who put smiles on faces of youngsters. They're also just making Minnesota a better place to live, too.
The nonprofit group only has about 20 members, but each year for the past 16 years they've put on a youth fishing contest, complete with hot dogs, free fishing gear and oodles of door prizes.
"It's just a great group of volunteers who give their time and effort,'' said Petermeier, a 69-year-old bait dealer and longtime member of the group.
Saturday was windy and cold on King's Lake, where the contest is held. That didn't deter anyone. "We had 156 kids show up — the best we've ever had, even with the lousy weather,'' Petermeier said proudly. The boat landing on the 200-acre lake was jammed.
"They caught a lot of crappies and sunfish and lots and lots of largemouth bass,'' Petermeier said. "It was fun to see the young kids come in with grins on their faces. They are so proud.''
Each 15-and-under kid got a tackle box loaded with fishing gear. "And we had 150 door prizes,'' Petermeier said.
Local groups like the Lion's and Jaycees, as well as businesses, contribute to the cause. "It's a community effort,'' Petermeier said.
