There was a wide range of reactions from children trying to catch fish at the third annual Central California Area Office’s New Melones C.A.S.T. event. (That’s “Catch a Special Thrill” in fish talk).  On Saturday, June 9, 2007, 135 very eager children, along with their parents or guardians, lined the shores of New Melones Lake at Eagle Point Day Use Area or entered into boats at the Tuttletown Boat Ramp to begin their fishing adventures.

Samantha Minjarez, age 8, refused to touch her 12-ounce Kokanee Salmon after pulling it into her boat, while others admired her prize. Donovan Bowen, age 13, had a knack for catching the big ones. After catching a respectable 2.5-pound bass he landed another fish, a 1-pounder.

At this year’s event, New Melones was able to expand its activities to include taking some of the children out onto the lake to fish with the help of the Calaveras Bass Anglers and other partnering groups. In past years, children only had the opportunity to fish from the lake shores and to take boat rides. This new opportunity turned out to be very rewarding and exciting not only for the children but also for the Bass Anglers who participated.

The educational booths that sponsoring agencies set up had great attendance from those needing a break from smelly worms and bait.  Activities ranged from practicing simulated casting and making glittery paper life-vests, to making plaster paw-prints of their favorite animals. Viewing aquatic bugs through magnifying glasses and learning how to pan for gold were also quite popular.

This event could not have been successful without the participation of more than 18 agencies and community organizations. Youth groups from St. Patrick Catholic Church and Tuolumne and Calaveras County Four-H Clubs assisted with monitoring children, directing traffic, and cleanup after the event. The Tuolumne County Sportsman Club once again provided a free barbeque lunch for all of the participants, their parents and volunteers. Mike Finnegan, manager of the Central California Area Office, handed out prizes to the hardworking fishermen and gave recognition awards to volunteers.

This year’s C.A.S.T coordinator, Harold Sanders, said that this was the 15th year New Melones has sponsored a children’s fishing event, previously called the Children’s Fish Faire. In 2005, New Melones joined the national C.A.S.T. program, expanding the tradition. “I attribute the success of these events to the enthusiasm of both the staff and volunteers,” Sanders said.