Travis celebrates Kids Day of Fishing

  • Published
  • By Steve Metcalf and Kymberley Wayne
  • 60th Force Support Squadron Marketing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The annual Kids Day of Fishing Derby is now scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at 8 a.m. with check-in beginning at 7:30am.

Travis has hosted this event for the past five years. This year's event will take place at a pond located at Cypress Lakes Golf Course, unlike previous years which were at the Duck Pond.
 
Once again, the 60th Force Support Squadron has partnered with the community to help hundreds of children try their luck at catching fish.

This year's derby gave planners an unplanned challenge. In preparing for the derby, which was originally scheduled May 12, circumstances beyond the planners' control caused it to be moved to a pond on the golf course located between holes 16 and 17.

The new date of May 19 was selected so the derby would not conflict with golf tournaments that had been previously scheduled.

Parents and kids will meet at the Cypress Lakes Golf Course clubhouse for check in. An easy-to-follow pathway will direct kids to the pond.

Kids Day of Fishing, Inc. was started in 2007 by Michael Johns and his father Larry Johns. Larry was a 30-year retired Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. It was Larry's idea to partner with the 60th Force Support Squadron at Travis to offer a Fishing Derby that had a focus on the base's special needs population, but would be open to all Travis children and families.

When Larry passed away his son Michael immediately took the reins and has continued his father legacy with his commitment to make the Travis Fishing Derby, and several other fishing events in the local area, as successful as possible.

For Travis, this year's derby includes pre-tagged fish, which were added to the pond. The lucky mini fishers who catch these special fish will receive a prize. The annual barbeque also is included to provide free food for all participants and their families.

The first 200 children registered for the Kids Day of Fishing Derby will receive free fishing poles, tackle boxes and T-shirts. As in the past, priority is given to children with special needs. Registration forms are available at the Youth Center and all Child Development Centers. Registration forms must be submitted only to the Youth Center.
For more information, call Dennis Meyer at 424-5392.