The Pohopoco Rod and Gun Club held its 11th annual kids fishing event at Phifer’s Ice Dam on Sunday. This was an opportunity for kids 15 and under to enjoy the outdoors, experience fishing and spend time with their families.

Volunteer Larry Williams said, “We’re not promoting competition, just promoting the sport.”

Each year the number of participants has grown. There were 20 kids the first year, and 74 kids were involved this year. Families set up all along the stocked lake.

Kyleigh Mertz, 10, caught five fish and said, “It’s fun to fish and have fun.”

Volunteer Sandy Ahner, whose late husband, Larry, had been president of the Rod and Gun Club, said, “The kids have fun and we get to spend as much money on the kids as we want.”

Local merchants provided food, beverages and raffle prizes. A name was called every 10 minutes for prizes including outdoor kids chairs, water bottles and fishing poles. A fundraising tricky tray was held with prizes donated by local merchants.

Luke Dorshimer, 3, enjoyed the day with his father, catching two bass and one trout. He liked fishing and said it’s fun but “The fish are more hard to get.”

All the families appeared to enjoy not only the opportunity to fish but the chance to spend time with one another enjoying the outdoors.