By Anita Firebaugh, contributing writer
From the May 19, 2004 edition of The New Castle Record
Take 220 eager young fishermen out to Barbour’s Creek, let them dip their lines in a creek full of trout and what do you get?
Craig County’s Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs event.
The kids and their parents had a gorgeous morning on Saturday in which to spend time together during the four hours of the event. For five miles along Rt. 617, children and adults lined the road at strategic spots.
The day smelled of sunshine, worms, and creek water. The delighted squeals of small children who yanked squirming fish to the creek banks filled the air.
Youngsters ranging in age from three to 15 rushed from spot to spot, vying for the finest place to wet a line. Ably assisted by mommas, daddies, and grandparents, even the youngest were able to place a pole over Barbour’s Creek and bring incitation sized trout and Inland Fisheries had stocked the night before.
The event was an obvious success. The smell of fish and earth and the delighted giggles of the kids underscored that. And the lesson of the day -that fishing is more fun than drugs could ever be- probably found a home in the minds of the children having a fine time.
All of the children-and the parents too, from the looks of it-were winners at this event. When the children weren’t fishing, they were scrambling along the bank, enjoying the benefits of fresh air and Mother Nature. Parents cast lines and anxiously handed the poles back to their little ones.
When the name for the 1st place prize was called sponsors discovered there were two Taylor Huffmans. Both received lifetime fishing licenses and other prizes. One Taylor is the daughter of Patrick Huffman and the other is the daughter of Bobby Huffman.
Lunch was provided from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Camp Mitchell, where there was also entertainment such as air-filled bounce games.
The event was started in 1999 by Game Warden Roland Cox and Craig County Deputy Sue Bostic, at Adams Trout Pond.
“The first year we only had 20 kids in attendance,” Bostic said. “The next year Rolland was able to get fish from the state to stock the crek. From that year until now we have grown to what appears to be a success.”
Bostic continued, “this program is not just about fishing, it is about giving kids an alternative to drugs while at the same same time allowing children to spend quality time with their parents.
“And I want to give a big thanks to the Upper Craig Creek Volunteer Fire Department,” Bostic emphasized. “Without their dedication each year it would not be the success it is today.”
Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs is the handwork of the of the Craig County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from many businesses and individuals in the community. Lunch was served from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Camp Mitchell.
“This program is not just about fishing; it is about giving kids an alternative to drugs and at the same time allowing them to spend quality time with their parents.“
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
