FORT POLK, La. -- Cold weather, a brisk north wind and drizzling rain didn't stop area kids and their parents from casting their lines for fresh catfish and prizes during the Operation Earth Friendly Fishing Derby at Fort Polk's Catfish Cove April 21 beginning at 7 a.m.
Karen Stubbs, an environmental specialist with the Fort Polk Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division, said about 200 youngsters turned out for the annual event.
"This is our 20th year of hosting this fishing derby," Stubbs said. "We do it to promote earth awareness. We had displays on how to save the environment and demonstrations on the proper way to safely filet fish."
Stubbs said the turnout is always strong -- come rain or shine, cold or heat.
"The kids always have a good time," she said. "Those who catch tagged fish can win items such as fishing poles, tackle boxes or a weekend at Toledo Bend with a free bass boat rental."
Claudia Pascale, daughter of Chris Pascale, said she had a great time fishing with her dad and sister,
Philippa. "This is our first time to fish and we're horrible fishermen, so we haven't caught anything," Claudia, 11, said.
The sisters were using chicken liver as bait.
"Mom gave us the chicken liver and usually has pretty good ideas," Claudia said. "For instance, she's at home taking care of the baby instead of out here in the rain and cold."
Philippa said she enjoyed fishing -- except for the cold. When asked if she would stay until she caught a fish, the 6-year-old replied, "I'm not sure."
Wayne Fariss, an environmental specialist with Fort Polk's Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division, spent the morning teaching the youngsters and their parents how to properly filet a catfish. He said that despite the rain, wind and cold, it was a "great day. I always enjoy it."
He said he only heard one kid complain about the cold weather. "The kids always have a great time," Fariss said.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Simon tackled the elements with his daughter, Courtney.
"We were going to come out early, but it was kind of cold," Simon said. "So we waited until later."
Although Courtney is just 4 years old, her dad said she is a veteran angler.
"She fishes with me a lot," Simon said. "She caught a three-pounder here last year."
Payton Stubbs is another young angler who tested the waters. Stubbs, 4, is the granddaughter of Karen Stubbs.
"We haven't caught anything yet because we just got here," Payton said. "It's cold, but we'll be OK because Papaw (Calvin Stubbs) can throw it (the bait) way out there."
Payton said she's also a veteran fisherperson.
"I've been fishing a lot of times," she said. "I caught one here last time, sorta -- Papaw helped me."
Karen Stubbs said that even though Mother Nature threw them a curve, the derby was still a hit.
"When you have this many kids out having fun and learning how to protect the environment, you have to consider it a success," she said.
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