Millerton Lake

Event brings joys of fishing to special-needs children

By Ramona Frances - Columnist - The Madera Tribune

The Catch A Special Thrill (CAST) for Kids foundation, whose events benefit children with special needs, tossed a line to Madera and Fresno counties by hosting a fishing event at Millerton Lake.
  The organization, which was founded in Washington state in 1991, links volunteers who love to fish with disabled and disadvantaged children for a day of fishing. This outdoor event is designed for children and adults to share a day of fun on the water.
  "Approximately 50 children spent time on Millerton Lake learning about fishing and boating from the boat captains and fishing buddies," said Valerie Curley, chairperson for the event.
  The intent of the nonprofit organization is to create events where both children and adults garner benefits, and enjoy themselves at the same time. According to Curley, there were about 400 people total in attendance, including the participating children.
  Professional fisherman Ken Eddy, Madera, a retired firefighter and father of three, was one of the participants at the Sept. 25 event. Another adult, Mark Balleu, one of the CAST designated fishing biddies, was paired with nine-year-old John Bourgeois and Eddy.
  Eddy served as captain for the boat, and showed Bourgeois how to spot fish on the depth finder screen, how to bait a hook, toss a line and how to catch a fish.
  "This (event) helps me give back to the community, and it gives kids the opportunity to get outdoors and do something they might not otherwise be able to do," Eddy said.
  Eddy, who started a custom made tackle business called Fish-on-Tackle after his retirement, has become a supplier of tackle to various shops. But in a pinch, Eddy is not above using live bait to entice fish to bite "just to see a kid smile," he said.
  "The fish fight you. It's fun to catch them," Bourgeois said. "I caught one fish with a small crawdad and one with a plastic worm."
  By the end of the event, Bourgeois claimed seven fish, each of which he kissed before tossing back into the lake.
  "The organization has put on about 40 events this year, and this one is the best," Jim Owens, executive director of CAST who lives in Renton, Washington, said. "It's because there is so much going on. It has all the extra stuff."
  That "extra stuff" included a martial arts show coordinated by Phil Johnson called Break the Barrier. During the show, a teenager in a wheelchair demonstrated breaking a board by use of Karate.
  "We had our first international event this year," Owens said. "It was held in Mexico with Down Syndrome kids. There were lots of tears shed at that event, because Down Syndrome kids are known to be quite sensitive, very emotional. But a lot of us were shedding tears. That was something."
  "This was our fourth year hosting a CAST event," Valerie Curley, chairwoman for the event, said. "I am thankful we continue to have the support of so many partners, sponsors and contributors. Without their support, and the support of the (bureau of) reclamation employees in the Fresno and Friant Dam offices, we would not have the type of on-shore activities and fishing and boating experiences for the children we host. It was a safe, fun time for everyone, and I am grateful we were able to bring the kids and volunteers together."
  In existence for 13 years, CAST for Kids furthers its mission by increasing awareness of disabled and disadvantaged children in our communities, and teaching appreciation for natural resources. It is possible through the cooperation of government agencies and local interest groups, and creates a rare and positive experience for youth.
  "This activity helps me as much as any kid," Eddy said. "I get to see the joy on the kids' faces."
  In addition to Eddy, Fresno Bass Club was represented by three members, all residents of Madera. The other members were Jose Guzman and Nick Tolmachoff. The club is one of the 31 sponsors of the event.
  Bourgeois came from Tollhouse to participate in the event. Each of the children participating were given a tackle box, fishing pole, a hat and snacks from various suppliers including the California Raisin and Fig boards, the Pistachio Commission, Doug-Out Cookies, and Trader Joe's.

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