Families turned up in impressive numbers for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Troutfest at Pool No. 1 Saturday.
Anxious anglers surrounded the pool, many at the deeper end, looking for a catch. Those lucky enough to snag a trout reveled in their success - some with cheers as children caught the first fish of their lives, and others in a wild chase as the slippery critters writhed right out of their grip.
Nearly 100 of the 700 fish were caught in the event's first few hours by parents and children alike.
Brothers Melvin and Sam Gonzalez each brought their sons, 8-year-old Joshua and Dewayne, 10, to Troutfest. Each of the children took home five fish.
"It got better when we got to the deep end," Dewayne said. "We caught some big ones out there."
Melvin said he felt Troutfest was a great opportunity for military Families.
"Every month, (Fort) Belvoir offers some kind of fun event for Families," he said. "It's really great. We try to do as much as we can here."
Staff Sgt. Kevin James and his wife, Tonda, brought along their two children as well - 5-year-old Aaralyn and Khamdenn, 14 months.
Kevin, an Alabama native, said he's always loved to fish.
"This is a great way to get outside and do it a little differently," he said.
He and Aaralyn both enjoy fishing together and have taken several opportunities to do so at Tompkins Basin.
"That's one of our favorite hangouts," Kevin said. "Fishing it something we've always liked to do, and I take any opportunity to get her into the practice of the sport."
Troutfest, Kevin said, is a chance to see familiar faces from the workplace and the community.
Amy and Craig Breckke brought their three children poolside as well Saturday - Olivia, 10; Isabella, 7; and Jonah, 2.
Amy said the Family had always enjoyed fishing, but part of the appeal of Troutfest was her own curiosity.
"My husband wanted to fish, but I just wondered what this event would look like," she said. "I've never seen anything like this and didn't know how they would pull it off. The kids were definitely excited though.
"It's great to be involved," she continued. "We've never lived on post before, so this is all new to us. Anything on post, we just eat it up. It's a great sense of community. We meet Families just like us who are asking what's going on and what's happening."
Social Sharing