Teens hooked on fishing after day at lake
By Paul Burgarino
LAKE DEL VALLE - There was plenty of joy and fun out on Lake Del Valle on Saturday as 33 children were able to experience fishing on the lake, many for the first time.
The Department of Water Resources, or DWR, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Boating and Waterways, the Department of Fish and Game, and the CAST for Kids Foundation co-sponsored the CAST, or Catch A Special Thrill, for Kids event.
"We tried really hard to make this a special day for the children," said David Lara from the DWR.
"It's a collaborative effort," said Dorothy Benjamin of the DWR. "We are like a big family."
But, the day on the lake was really about the children. The day started at 8:30 a.m. when the children arrived by bus. Participants in the program were from Richmond's De Anza High School and Richmond High School, as well as student ambassadors from the Eco-Village Farm Learning Center.
Each child was then assigned to a boater and loaded into their boat. The 23 boats left the dock shortly thereafter.
Most boats were paired one child to one volunteer, although some boats had a couple of children. Even some parents were able to go out on the water and experience the thrill of their child fishing.
"It was her first time going out on a boat," said Sandra Chaves of Richmond, referring to her daughter. "She really wanted to come here and go fishing, and I'm glad the opportunity presented itself."
The fishing lasted until 11:30, and the children were able to show off their catch. Rhamesha Stevenson of Vallejo was excited because she was able to reel in a catfish that a couple of others could not contain.
"It was exciting," Rhamesha said. "They were too slow in reacting to reel it in when they tried to catch it, but then I tried and caught it."
"It was really fun," said Nancy Bautisa, 15, of San Pablo, who went fishing with her brother Denis, 17. "I would do it again because my brother enjoyed it so much and had a good time."
Back on shore, the children were treated to a barbecue picnic and a special ceremony where they showed off their fish.
The children also received a plaque with a photograph of them setting sail, as well as a rod, reel and tackle box.
The young anglers were also taught the importance of boating safety, angler ethics and natural resources. CAST for Kids events take place around the country and help give disabled and disadvantaged youth a special day of outdoor adventure. In December 2004, the groups created partnership between the CAST Foundation and the State of California.
"We have been trying to do more things locally, here in California," said Kenneth McCloud of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"We'll be back here next year," added Shyaam Shabaka of Eco Village Farm Learning Center.
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