Fishing brings smiles to all

Spring brings sunshine and outdoors activities.  Some of the most inspirational outdoor activities I have seen recently are Optimist Club fishing derbies. 

The Optimist Club of Atascadero, California has planned three fishing derbies this year and the first was held last weekend at Margarita Lake.  According to Optimist Club member and fishing enthusiast Del Bishop, the club wantto make kids happy.   “I love fishing, and I’ve always been interested in getting kids involved,” Bishop said. “Kids fish for life and learn patience and respect for life at the same time. The main thing is it’s a way for kids and family to spend time together; the day lasts four hours, so that’s at least four hours kids and parents are together.”


Also last weekend, the Rim County Optimist Club of Payson, Arizona held their fourth annual fishing festival, a cooperative effort with the parks and recreation department at Green Valley Lake. 

The fishing is free, the equipment and food are provided and the smiles on the children are big.  Please click on the links to enjoy the pictures.


Atascadero News in PDF.

Payson Roundup in PDF.