Go Fish!

Whenever I go to my grandson Layne's baseball games at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville, I can't help but notice all the parents fishing with their children around the lake.
   Shawn Ray, for one, is a regular.
   Ray, a Gulf War Veteran, and his daughter Taylor, a third grader at Gwin Oaks Elementary were casting off together as I walked around the lake waiting for Layne's game to begin.
   "We've been coming here seven years. We used to be the only ones here," said Ray.
   As Taylor's line hit the water Ray said, "Nice cast. You're gonna' catch Jaws out there."
   Taylor's eye lit up. "This is fun," she said. "I like to go fishing with my dad because we get to spend time together."
   "That's the best part," said Ray. "If you get your kids away from the TV and the Nintendo you get to interact. These are the things that keep you close."
   "Will you be going to the Children's Fishing Derby in June?" I asked them.
   "We don't know anything about that. Tell us about it," said Ray.
   I rattled off all the information I had. Sponsored by Anything Goes Bass Club, the Annual Children's Fishing Derby is at Briscoe Park Saturday June 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost is $2 per child. 
   Bait will be provided, but children need to bring their own poles. Featured events will include a casting contest, largest and smallest fish contest and lots of door prizes.
   Kathi Clotfelter, Special Events Coordinator for City of Snellville, said, "Last year we had 130 kids and this year we're prepared for 150. We urge everyone to register as soon as possible. Applications are available at Up the Creek Fish Camp and Grill Restaurant in Snellville, Snellville Wal-Mart, and Briscoe Park. For more information, people can call 770-985-3535."
   "This is our third year with the Derby," said Gary Cockerill with Up the Creek.    "It's a good thematic tie-in for our seafood restaurant. We like to associate ourselves with the city and we're always looking for ways to do things for families. This is a natural for us."
   "We hope kids will learn something about fishing as well as have fun with their families," said Clotfelter. People from Anything Goes will be instructing kids on fishing techniques and will be assisted by Up the Creek employees.
   Each participant will receive a Fishing Derby certificate, Wal-Mart Fishing Derby Kit, one free admission to the new Briscoe Park Pool and a free kid's meal at Up the Creek.
   "That sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for telling us. We'll be there, won't we Taylor?" said Ray.
   As I left to go to Layne's ballgame, Ray turned around.
   "One more thing," he called out to me. "I just want to say one of the best things you can leave your children is the love of fishing."

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