By Khalida Sarwari
Thousands of children and their parents are expected to show up to try their luck at catching a trout when the 21st annual Kids Free Fishing event is held on May 5 and 6 at the Campbell Percolation Ponds at the Los Gatos Creek Park.
The goal, committee member Anita Woodson said, is to give inner-city kids an opportunity to fish.
“It’s a chance to recognize the water resources we have and for kids to be outside with their families,” Woodson said.
Volunteers from the Almaden Valley Rotary Club, as well as the Santa Clara County construction trades, will be on hand to give first-timers fishing lessons.
The event is open to children and youth up to 17 years old. Their families are invited to come along and bring a picnic. For the little ones, there will be a mock spaceship provided by the Air Systems Foundation to wander around in, said Woodson. The San Jose Giants mascot, Gigante, will also be there.
“But the main thing is the fishing,” Woodson said.
Woodson has been involved in organizing the event since the beginning and has even had her own children, who are now grown, participate in it. Over the years the Kids Free Fishing event has developed from a small gathering to an event that attracts thousands from all over the Bay Area.
Last year, the event drew nearly 6,000 participants, and organizers are anticipating about that size again this year.
“We’re expecting a good crowd because the weather’s been so nice,” Woodson said.
There is no registration for the event. To participate, each child must simply bring a rod, reel and bait.
Any child who catches a tagged fish will receive a prize, which ranges from coolers and tickets to San Jose Giants games to fishing poles. They can also take the fish home and eat them, said Woodson.
Every day of fishing begins at dawn and continues until sunset. Entrance to the Los Gatos Creek Park is at 1250 Dell Ave. in Campbell.
For more information, e-mail freefishing@aol.com or visit www.kidsfreefishing.com.
