NWTF SC Hosts JAKES Fishing Day

The weather was perfect, the food was on time, the fish were biting and the smiles were abundant. The laughter could be heard across the pond, and you didn’t have to see them to know the kids were smiling from ear to ear. From time to time, you could overhear children arguing over whose fish was bigger.

“It was a wonderful day at the JAKES fishing event, watching all the kids catch fish, laugh and enjoy time with their families,” said Jennifer Hodge McLain, South Carolina NWTF State Chapter board member.

Close to 40 children were provided with fishing opportunities, catching bass, catfish and bream. Several of the families were done fishing within a couple of hours because their coolers were overflowing. 

The South Carolina NWTF State Chapter provided each child with a JAKES Membership, an NWTF SC t-shirt, a JAKES cup, a JAKES bracelet and other NWTF items. Two lucky winners also walked away with Daisy Red Ryder BB guns, and several other youth received nice turkey calls.

"We are thankful for all the parents and guardians who brought their children — they were so sweet and polite and really brightened our day," said Billie McCarter, South Carolina NWTF State Chapter board member. "We also are so thankful for all the volunteers — those that worked behind the scenes and on site — as they worked to ensure the event was a success."

And while NWTF volunteers had a blast watching the kids, so too did the parents.

‘’This event was so well organized and extremely fun for children and adults," said Olivia Hall, a mother of three who brought her family to the event. "Our kids kept catching fish, and as a parent seeing their pure joy meant so much. Thanks to the volunteers that walked around offering snacks and cheering on the kids. Thanks for the pizza, door prizes and especially the shirts — our favorite surprise. We hope to have an opportunity to come back in the future because it was a day none of us will forget."