Annual youth fishing clinic is Feb. 21

By Bill Bartusek Jr., Outdoors Columnist

It's time again for the New Prague Sportsman's Youth Fishing Clinic. I have been asked again to open the ceremonies on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Central Education Campus gym in New Prague. The clinic will again feature the popular fish-filleting demonstration along with lure building, safety, fishing rules and regulations. Kids will also participate in a casting program where they will be shown how to cast three different ways. There will also be a bunch of prizes given away and a fantastic lunch.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the clinic running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The different clinics will be given by volunteers who are proficient in the sport of fishing.

Others attending will be Adam Block, area conversation officer; Bill Shimota, champion walleye angler; and pro guide Mr. Hahn. He will give a guided fishing trip to one lucky kid and parent. There will be much more going on that I don't have room to write about. Parents must register their children prior to the event by calling Eugene Palma at 952-758-4039 by Saturday, Feb. 14, so they can prepare ahead of time. Parents are welcome and can help with the seminar. I'll certainly be there hoping to meet everyone on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Congratulations go out to local angler Elmer Palma of Veseli, who won the annual Spearfest Contest with a whopping 14-pound northern pike. The one-day event is held on area lakes with the weigh-in site at Spring Lake. Elmer harvested the fish on Spring Lake. There were about 90 contestants entered in the contest. Elmer was happy with his victory and said now he has gas money to go fishing again. Congratulations, Elmer!