The Pohopoco Rod & Gun Club will host its 15th annual Youth Fishing Day on Saturday for any Carbon County youth age 15 and younger.

There is no fee to enter the event held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Phifer Ice Dam complex on Main Road (East Weissport).

About 70 youths are expected and will receive a free prize, along with a hot dog and a drink, said Jim Deebel, president of the club.

“It’s just to get kids there to get them in the outdoors, exposed to the outdoors, get them away from the electronic games, and commune with nature,” Deebel said. “When the weather’s decent, which we’re hoping for, we get a good turnout of kids.”

Deebel emphasized the event is for those under the age of 16, as no adults are to be fishing at all.

“We follow the state laws, maximum five fish per individual,” he said. “They can catch or release, or they can take them home; it’s their choice.”

Deebel said he personally got involved in fishing at a very young age.

“I do a lot of fishing,” said Deebel, 86. “It’s been a source of enjoyment for me.”

Deebel explained that while other sports are important, they can’t match the longevity of fishing.

“I’m trying to instill that in other kids that they can find a lifelong sport that they enjoy,” he said. “Fishing you can enjoy into your old age and have a good time with it.”

Deebel was quick to thank those who help make the event possible.

“We’ve been well supported by local merchants; they help us fund this,” he said. “We put a lot of good sized fish in Phifer’s Ice Dam try to get the kids to have a thrill.”

Deebel said they had a problem with a lot of weeds.

“Through the state, we were able to put a grass carp (fish that eats vegetation) in there,” he said. “We’d like to keep them in there.”

The Pohopoco Rod & Gun Club has been in existence since 1956, with its origins in the Big Creek Valley before the construction of Beltzville Reservoir.