On July 27, the Four Corners Chapter of Safari Club International hosted its first youth fishing derby at Bruce Spruce Ranch, located east of Pagosa Springs near Treasure Falls.
The young fishermen and women were up and at it at 7 a.m. and kept at it until well into the afternoon. More than 15 participants cast lures and flies into two different ponds awaiting a bite from a rainbow trout.
Let It Fly, located in Pagosa, Provided fly fishing rods and bugs for kids to use. Participants ranged in age from 3 to 10. Parents helped some of the youngsters cast out into the best spot while the little ones reeled in the lines.
“I liked it,” said 8-year-old Kailey Vincent of Pagosa. “I almost caught one; it came right to my bug, but he didn’t eat it.”
Following a morning of enjoying the outdoors with family and new friends, a hearty field to fork lunch of elk burgers was provided. Next, prizes were awarded for biggest fish, smallest fish, first fish, and first fly fishing fish. Each of the other contestants received a Four Corners Chapter SCI cap.
“We will be back next year!” said Lance Lucero, father of 4-year-old participant Orion Lucero.
The biggest fish award was given to Kayson Taylor of Bayfield, with a 22- 3/4-inch fish. He will receive a replica mount of his fish, sponsored by Wildlife Expressions. The winner of the first fish was Tucker Howell, who caught a 10-inch fish. He received his very own tackle box to store all of his lures. The smallest fish was caught by the smallest participant, Reece Haddon, 4, of Bayfield, who won an Ugly Stick fishing pole. The award for the first fish caught on a fly went to Kelton Lee of Bayfield, who received a private half-day fly fishing trip with a professional guide and his very own fly rod.
“It was great seeing the kids having fun and being successful,” said Jason Deweese, treasurer of Four Corners Chapter of SCI. “Even kids that didn’t manage to get a fish had a good time.”
The Four Corners Chapter of SCI gives special thanks to Pagosa Springs area businesses, Let It Fly, Ski & Bow Rack and Bruce Spruce Ranch for sponsoring this successful youth outreach event.
The Four Corners Chapter of SCI is a nonprofit organization which strives to promote good fellowship among all who love the outdoors and hunting. The group provides outreach and support to educate youth, sportsmen and the public in the conservation of our wildlife and forests, which is our natural heritage.
Visit Four Corners Chapter at http://www.FourCornersSCI.org or SCI at https://www.safariclub.org/north-american-hunting, or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.
