Kids Klassic Trolling For New Generation Of Anglers

Sun., July 30, 2000

Rich Landers Outdoors Editor

As the dog days of summer settle in, the hottest fishing hole in the Spokane area could very well be at Riverfront Park.

At least for one day.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Department is looking to hook children on fishing with a special Kids Klassic fishing and casting event on Aug. 19.

Kids ages 5-14 must register by Aug. 12 in order to participate in the hands-on experience.

For a $5 registration fee, participants will receive a Kids Klassic T-shirt and a Zebco rod and reel, which are theirs to keep.

Kids also can bring their own fishing gear and participate in all the activities at no cost, department officials say.

The event is the brainchild of Fred Shiosaki, a veteran Spokane angler who was appointed this year to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

While the commission wrestles with serious and controversial issues such as endangered salmon recovery, Shiosaki said he didn’t want the foundation of natural resources stewardship to be forgotten.

“A kid who’s interested in fishing will grow to be an adult interested in the environment,” he said.

The Kids Klassic is part of a series of fishing events designed to give kids a hands-on fishing experience. Anglers from local fishing organizations will be on hand to give kids — and their parents — tips on fly tying, tackle rigging, water safety, fishing ethics and other subjects.

Trout from the Spokane Fish Hatchery will be released in the Spokane River at the park to enhance the fishing experience, officials said.

Kids also will have a chance to test their new skills in a casting contest sponsored by BassMasters.

Registration forms are available at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Spokane office, 8702 N. Division St., telephone 456-4082.

For more information, call the co-sponsoring 4-H offices at 477-2166.

“For generations, anglers have been some of the best stewards of our natural resources, and we want that tradition to continue,” Shiosaki said.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.