MODOC, S.C. – On a sweltering Saturday morning, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), in partnership with the Augusta Building & Construction Trades Council (BCTC) and the US Army Corps of Engineers, welcomed families at Lake Thurmond for the third Annual Take Kids Fishing Day on June 21.
Despite the 95-degree heat, the event drew more than 75 young anglers and their families, all eager to enjoy a day on the water. Every registered youth received a free fishing rod and reel, creating opportunities for first-time anglers to create a lasting memory and for seasoned young fishers to enjoy their hobby with others, according to a news release.
Volunteers including eight members of the Augusta BCTC and six members of VFW Post 12190 in Evans, GA, along with support from US Army Corps of Engineers, worked together to ensure the day was safe, accessible and fun. Volunteers assisted with setting up fishing poles, helped kids land their catches and even manned the grill, serving up lunch for all participants.
“We try to give back to the public,” said Dale Cullum, Insulators Local 92 Business Manager. “And it is a way to show that union members are out there, and we’re having a positive impact in the community.”
For the event, the lake was stocked with 1,000 pounds of catfish, weighing up to two pounds each, and bream were also biting thanks to local donations. A nearby bait shop on the lake donated 150 cups of worms, ensuring everyone had plenty of live bait.
Accessibility was a focus this year, with the event at a newly improved, handicap-accessible area of the Modoc Boat Ramp and fishing pier, which was relocated in 2023 by local union volunteers. Cody Campbell, USA’s conservation manager, says that the pier project was, in part, made possible by funds raised by USA’s conservation dinners. “Those funds went back to building access to the outdoors,” Campbell said.
Speaking of dinner, more than a few catfish went home with anglers from Saturday’s event.
“There were several first-timers and several first fish caught,” Cullum said. “There was a family of four who had a stringer full of 15 or 20 fish. They were planning to take them home and have a fish fry. Their little girl caught more fish than all three boys put together. She wouldn’t even stop fishing long enough to take a photo.”
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