Calaveras lake
"Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Smiles at Calaveras"
By: Art Pasley
Calaveras Lake is located on the far southeast side of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. Once known as a big bass factory in the early years, Calaveras, like many of my friends and myself, have faded into let's say a more mature state. In other words, were getting older but still have a glimmer of hope.
Thanks to the City Public Service group, the San Antonio River Authority, Careco Multimedia, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Jim Behnken and a host of volunteers and supporters, Calaveras was awaken once again to a glorious day of fun and fishing that won't soon be forgotten.
42 children with the San Antonio Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program, enjoyed a day of fun and fishing and catching 3 to 5 pound channel catfish , in a netted off cove on the lake. I've been to a lot of kid fishing events in my days but I don't think I have ever been to one that had so many big fish caught by so many kids.
"This is great", stated local fishing celebrity and host of the Fishing and Hunting Texas Outdoor show, Wade Middleton. Fishing and Hunting Texas, sponsored by Cabelas is one of the most watched fishing programs in Texas. I don't have to tell you how excited the kids were when they saw Wade and his film crew and were able to get his autograph on their new C.A.S.T. hats. "This is a great fit", stated Middleton. "These kids need a day like this and I'm proud to be a part of the effort made by so many people to offer them the opportunity to go fishing".
Jim Behnken attended the Mistletoe Ranch event last year as a volunteer, and is responsible for bringing all the groups together for this first ever San Antonio C.A.S.T. event. Behnken, an accomplished professional angler and business man from San Antonio, was quick to give credit to everyone involved with this year's program. "Did you see the look on that girls face", stated a very excited Behnken. "This is great", he continued. "These kids are having a lot of fun"!
Patty Gonzales and Scott Smith, both representing the City Public Service group, provided everything for the event. As you can see from the pictures, they did a wonderful job. If you have never had the worlds greatest chicken or sausage burritos, the real thing, then plan on being at Calaveras next year. I know they all plan on being there again for another Special Thrill Maker Day. Vaya con Dios my friends.
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