Kids Fish Free Day 7 June 2003

Kids Fish Free Day
7 June 2003

See photos below!

The Tennessee statewide “Free Fishing Day” was held Saturday, 7 June 2003. No fishing license was required on this date. The Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited in cooperation with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency sponsored the event between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The activities took place at the TVA Miller Island Access on the Clinch River in Norris. Volunteers were on hand to teach kids to bait, spin, and fly fish. Equipment was available for loan to children. Other activities included fly tying demonstrations, casting lessons, and boat rides.

At 9:00 a.m., the installers showed up with the tent, tables, and chairs. At that moment, there was a torrential rainfall happening. Die-hard fisherman were already in the Clinch. The tent guys wondered if we were crazy asking them to go ahead and install the tent. But, our expert Buzz Buffington had already told us, “We Fish Rain Or Shine! That's my motto and we're stickin' to it!” We all wondered if we WERE crazy to carry on with the day. We weren't!!

The rain did not let up, but families began showing up before 10:00. We gathered under the tent and anxious kids began putting on their waders with the help of Coal Creek Watershed AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers Jami Brown and Nadine Medina. The river started out very foggy, and we continued to have periodic rain throughout the morning, but my noon, the skies cleared and we ended up having a sunny day.

Even in the rain and fog, approximately 30 kids showed up and brought their parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents with them. We learned that big, clear garbage bags make nice raincoats for kids.

The day left a lot of kids with a positive experience on the Clinch River with Trout Unlimited members and volunteers. Thanks to TVA for arranging their generation schedule for us, and TWRA for stocking the river the day before.

Click on the images below to check out our fun time.
Many photos are courtesy of photographer Dick Doub:

	Some of the first families arrive in the rain.....
	Early morning adventures in the fog and rain.......

		Bill Shipman was a huge hit with the boat rides he provided for the kids. He had them waiting in line!
Buzz Buffington and Sarah Weeks gave the kids their first try at fly tying! Lots of talent there!
	Ally started out great, but Buzz must have criticized her fly and made her cry!


Skateboarder R.J. had a broken foot, but he managed to fish from the bank. Rusty Dunn with TWRA (back left) speaking with Clinton Courier Reporter Ray Blakney (back right).		Steve Brown and Bill Shipman managed to give R.J. a boat ride, crutches and all
One on one lessons.....	Cathy Jerrolds with her student Micayla
Just fun.......