The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is inviting families with kids to come out to “Take Kids Fishing Day” at the Modoc boat ramp Saturday, June 21, for a morning of fun in sun catching catfish.
The event is sponsored by Augusta Building Trades and Union Sportsman’s Alliance along with the Corps and it is designed to help mom and dad get the kids off their iPhone and out on the water.
According to Ranger David Quebedeaux, the first 150 kids will receive a free fishing pole and there will be plenty of rangers on hand to give the kids fishing tips.
Lunch will also be provided free of charge.
Children will need to come with their own chairs, sunscreen and life jackets if they plan to enter the water. Bottler water will be provided for free.
Even though the event is free, the parents should register their kids online, ages 5 to 15, to make sure there is a spot reserved for them. Children under 15 are not required to have a fishing license. Adults, however, need to have a fishing license which are $15 and can be purchased at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
This past week the Corp netted off one of the coves in the Modoc area and stocked it with catfish.
“There is definitely enough fish out there for everyone to catch something and this event is always popular because the kids can really get into the action and the sport of ‘reeling in a few,’” Quebedeaux said.
Catfish are bottom feeders that enjoy calm, still waters and will bite on everything from worms to crickets.
Check-in time is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., with fishing hours being from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Modoc boat ramp is located on Gilchrist Ferry Road in Modoc, S.C.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter, Editorial Page Editor and weekly columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
