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The Clark County Fish and Game Club, a nonprofit organization, seeks to get people involved in recreation. 

One such way they’ve done this is through hosting Youth Fishing Day in past years. 

2024 would be no different. 

The annual Bill Thiry Youth Fishing Day occurred recently from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the lake next to the club’s location at 1255 Water Works Road. 

“It’s been a big success,” said Lee Kerr, President of Clark County Fish and Game Club. “I think this is kind of an outreach for us to be able to reach kids…and have an opportunity to come to do something they don’t normally get to do…not too many people have a place [where] they can go out and fish for a day.” 

The event was free for anyone under 16 who was accompanied by an adult. Each youth received a rod and reel combo, and the Fish and Game Club also provided bait. 

Later in the day, lunch would be served to all attendees, with prizes and goodie bags to be raffled off. 

However, most excitement came from near the water, where bass and bluegill were the day’s main catch. 

Jessica Hatton attended the event as part of a family outing with her husband, mother, and two children. 

She took little time to respond when asked about her favorite part of the day. 

“Seeing my kids’ [faces] when they catch the fish,” she said. “We try [to fish] as much as we can.” 

The event also brought out folks from beyond Clark County. 

Billy Armell, a Georgetown native, attended with family, including his great-grandchildren. 

“I’m just here with them enjoying [the day] and having fun,” he said, noting that wax worms and earthworms were being used as bait. “It’s great [that] the Fish and Game Club puts it on every year like this…[it’s] very special. As you can tell, [kids] enjoy it a lot!” 

Ernie Sammons, a long-time Clark County Fish and Game Club member, noted that the day’s event also held benefits for adults. 

“[I] enjoy meeting all my friends,” he said. “We sit around here and grill and tell [stories].”

The day is accustomed to seeing approximately 100 kids each year, with members of Troop 75 from Boy Scouts of America actively involved this year. 

Kerr also acknowledged that support for the event is much appreciated. 

“We have sponsors every year that want to come in and….sponsor us,” he said. “Everybody can enjoy themselves.”