2016 C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Fun Fair at New Melones Lake

Written by: Cindy Davenport

New Melones Lake 2016 C.A.S.T. Event On Saturday, August 6, 2016, Bureau of Reclamation staff from the Central California Area Office’s New Melones Lake held their annual C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids fishing event at the Mark Twain Day Use Area. Reclamation’s participating partners were the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Messengers Motorcycle Club, New Melones Lake Marina, Arnold Rotary Club, and ARC of Amador and Calaveras Counties.

C.A.S.T. events provide an opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged children to team with experienced anglers. Although the ongoing drought has dramatically impacted New Melones, the low lake levels did not discourage an eager group of young boys and girls from enjoying a day of fishing.

This year, 28 children ages 5-15 and 21 adult family members participated along with 24 volunteers and 14 Reclamation employees. All participants were provided with a free fishing rod and reel, bait and tackle, ball cap, T-shirt, and a personalized plaque commemorating the day.

New Melones Marina and Reclamation provided boats, giving the children a chance to be out on the water to fish. Although not many fish were caught, the day was still thrilling for these first-time anglers.

Besides fishing, the children learned about New Melones Lake through games and activities conducted by Reclamation and Corps Park Rangers. Water safety and the importance of wearing a life jacket were highlighted.

Outdoor fun and fishing builds up an appetite, and by noon everyone was ready to eat. For lunch, the Messengers Motorcycle Club barbecued hot dogs. An assortment of fruits, granola bars and bottled water, donated by Mountain Oasis, were also available, helping to make the meal healthy and nutritious.

C.A.S.T. events tie into the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative, which encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community. ( http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside).

For information on C.A.S.T. for Kids, please visit http://www.castforkids.org/. For information on New Melones Lake, please visit www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/.

Published on September 23, 2016