What began as a Washunga Days fishing derby has grown into a hands-on outdoor experience designed to introduce youth and families to fishing, wildlife and other outdoor activities.
The fishing derby and outdoor education stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, along the west side of the Riverwalk near the Neosho River, extending toward the Neosho River Amphitheater.
Local outdoorsman Phil Taunton, host of “What’s in Outdoors” on KVOE Radio, helped expand the event beyond the traditional fishing derby. He said fishing derbies can be disappointing when the fish are not biting, so he wanted to provide activities that would keep youth engaged while teaching them about Kansas outdoors.
Participants may visit seven education stations featuring experienced anglers, outdoor communicators and volunteers. Youth will receive a passport to be completed by visiting each station. Those who complete the passport will be entered into drawings for prizes.
Only youth age 15 and younger will be eligible to win prizes, but people of all ages who are interested in fishing, wildlife and the outdoors may visit the stations and speak with the presenters.
Among those participating will be award-winning outdoor writer Brent Frazee of Parkville, Missouri. Frazee covered the outdoors for The Kansas City Star for 36 years and now writes for Wired2fish and the CatfishNOW and CrappieNOW digital magazines. His work also has appeared in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks magazine.
Frazee will join Taunton and fishing and hunting guide Joe Bragg of Thump30 Guide Service at the Outdoor Communicators of Kansas and KDWP FishKS station. They will discuss baits and lures, places to fish in Kansas and other outdoor opportunities. Bragg, who also is associated with Bass Pro Shops, will answer questions about fishing Kansas lakes and bird dogs.
David Wade of Russell Marine Products in El Dorado will display his tournament boat and answer questions about fishing, boat electronics and technology such as live sonar.
Sherri Withers of Lawrence, representing the Reel Sisters Chapter of Fishing’s Future, will teach fish identification and review Kansas fishing rules and regulations. Withers is a certified KDWP FishKS instructor.
Kim and Carolyn Burnett of Olathe will provide instruction in fly-fishing, casting and fly tying. Kim Burnett is associated with Crappie Stopper Jigs.
Fred and Audrey Agin of Plymouth, who serve as KDWP FishKS volunteers, will teach participants about fishing rods and reels and demonstrate knot tying.
Council Grove resident Drew Ricketts of K-State Research and Extension will present “All About Critters," covering the fins, fur and feathers of Kansas wildlife.
Steve Crichton, Rich Haug and other volunteers with the Flint Hills Chapter of Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation will offer Backyard Bass. The hands-on activity uses plastic fish to teach casting tech - niques and fish identification.
The Washunga Days fishing derby will have three prizes available. Ad -
passport activity will include fishing equipment provided by Bass Pro Shops and a Kansas lifetime com- bination hunting and fishing license sponsored by “What’s in Outdoors” and Council Grove Marina.
Other prizes and donations have been pledged by Adams HomeStore, Adams 66 Service Station, The Tire Company and Ray’s Apple Market.
Taunton said the goal is to offer more than a competition. Even if the fish are not biting, youth will be able to cast, tie knots, identify fish and wildlife, learn about equipment and speak directly with people who have experience in Kansas outdoor activities.