Put on your bucket hat, the annual Kids Fishing Weekend returns to the Polson Park Pond in Vernon, for what could be the last year at the location.
Hosted by the Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society (KFFS), the free event will take place Saturday, May 4 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, May 5 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for children aged four to 14 (accompanied by an adult).
“Kids can bring their own fishing rod and tackle or they can use ours,” said the KFFS. “We can provide all the rods, and tackle, including worms and it’s all for free. If you need help, that’s free too. The kids can keep two fish each, per day and we will even clean them for you. Nothing like fresh fish for supper.”
The KFFS also recently received a $8,000 grant from the City of Vernon. The funds will go towards the free fishing weekend, which includes the replacement of rods and reels.
But the event has hit a snag for the future.
“It may well be our last time at Polson as the city will be naturalizing the creek and eliminating the pond and thus our Kids Fishing event,” said KFFS member Bob Tait. “We are looking for an alternative to Polson Pond but do not have much from which to choose. Alternatives offered up from the parks people all involve moving water which creates a myriad of issues and really are unsuitable for kids.
“So, we continue our hunt.”
In 2023, more than 1,600 kids and family members attended the two-day event, with the KFFS providing rods, bait, a photo booth (to take a picture with your fish), a fish cleaning station, and a concession selling hot dogs for just $2.
Kids up to the age of 14 are welcome, as the pond will be full, with close to 1,000 rainbow trout, donated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.
READ MORE: ‘Gone fishin’ in Polson,’ over 700 kids come out to free event
