Rec Sports
Photos: Little Crow Anglers youth clinic in Willmar, Minnesota, promotes fishing – West Central Tribune
WILLMAR
— For 25 years, the Little Crow Anglers has hosted a clinic to help promote the sport of fishing among youth. By educating them on the skills needed, the fishermen are working to ensure the health and longevity of fishing in the area.
The Youth Fishing Clinic for grades 1-6 was hosted Saturday at the Willmar Events and Recreation Center. The event featured instructional activities, minnow races, demonstrations and more.
Levi Jones / West Central Tribune
“Two weeks ago we were in Atwater and we did the same thing at the school. There were 124 kids there and we have a little bit more than that here today,” said Harlan Davenport, Little Crow Anglers event organizer.
Featured in the events of the day was a demonstration by Dave Coahran, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries supervisor for the Spicer area. Coahran stood on the back of a truck with a tank filled with a variety of fish. As kids gathered in a crowd in front of him, he pulled out fish and talked about identifying them.
Other presentations included water and boating safety, as well as a spearfishing talk put on by the Darkhouse Association, a spearfishing group. It wasn’t just talks and demonstrations. Hands-on activities helped kids to learn skills necessary for fishing.
Levi Jones / West Central Tribune
Several tables were set up with supplies and instructions for knot tying. The small knots are needed for fishermen to be able to attach hooks to fishing lines. Another station featured hookless fishing rods. Where there would normally be a hook, there instead were weighted pieces on the rods to help teach kids casting techniques.
Levi Jones / West Central Tribune
Levi Jones is the West Central Tribune’s business reporter. After growing up in the Twin Cities, Jones attended Hamline University for journalism and media communications. After graduating in 2020, Jones has worked as a reporter covering anything from sports to politics.