Young anglers brave the cold

By Mary-Justine Lanyon

It was a cold and extremely windy morning at Tavern Bay when nearly 150 young anglers participated in the recent Arrowhead Lake Association Junior Trout Rodeo.

Jessie Bolognino with his Dad, Jason, and a rainbow trout.

The event kicked off with a pancake and sausage breakfast. “Chef Wayne Austin and his wife, Cheryl, kept the griddle hot while flipping flapjacks,” said Kathi Rothner, chair of the ALA Fish Committee.

Each child received a soft-sided tackle box to take home thanks to Inland Marine, who provided the boxes.

In addition, each little angler got a golden ticket for those pancakes or, later, a hot dog. The food was available for the rest of the family to purchase.

Of note, said Rothner, is that Bill Saksa of the Fish Committee rigged special loaner rod/reel combos for the anglers who wanted to catch and release the trout rather than take them home to eat.

“I was happy to see 14 volunteers participate in helping with this annual event,” Rothner added.

“Good times were had by all,” said ALA President Alan Kaitz, “except for the trout! ALA staff, assisted by members, did a truly great job.”