Fishing for Smiles produces big smiles

Mike Aguilar gives a thumbs up as a volunteer helps him with a squirming, hefty channel catfish he caught. Photo by Becky Foster

KINGMAN – There were plenty of smiles and plenty of fishing to go around at the annual Fishing for Smiles event for the Mohave County special needs community on Tuesday, May 21. It was categorized as “catch and release” day. The fishing took place at a pond on the Dunton Ranch Fort Rock located just off of I-40 east. The Dunton family makes the pond available each year for the event at no charge.

Bobby Gonzalez waits happily and patiently for a bite. Photo by Becky Foster

The event was sponsored by the Kingman Elks Lodge #468 with participation from the Mohave Sportsman’s Club, AGFD (The Arizona Game and Fish Department) and various other organizations through special donations. According to officials, there were 108 attendees which included 91 adult participants and 18 volunteers.

Brandon Morehouse gets a helping hand from a volunteer as he tries to unhook his catfish so it can be thrown back into the pond. Photo by Becky Foster

The AGFD reported that they provided 61 rods and reels to participants who needed them. Additionally, the AGFD handed out baggies filled with cut up wieners that were used for bait.

The anglers spread out as they sought their preferred spots for hooking a fish. Photo by Becky Foster

It is uncertain how many years the event has continually taken place. However, event Chairman, Jim Powell, stated that he has volunteered for this event on and off for at least17 years. Kingman resident Don Martin, Government Liaison for the Mohave Sportsman’s Club, has participated for at least a couple of decades. Martin explained that the event first began with the Kingman Bass Club and it was called Kid’s Fishing Day.

Canopies provided some relief to participants from the sun as the day went on. Photo by Becky Foster

It was then taken over by the Mohave Sportsmen’s Club and renamed Fishing for Smiles before it was ultimately adopted as an annual event by the Elks. Martin said it possibly has been in existence 30 or more years, but he wasn’t sure.

Brent Rahll is overcome with excitement over the big catfish she hooked and reeled in. She later brought in a small bluegill. Photo by Becky Foster

There was a lot of laughter and many delighted squeals when a fish was hooked and reeled in. All of the caught fish were released back into the pond. Afterward, participants and volunteers were treated to hamburgers and hot dogs with chili, assorted chips, ice cold drinks and cookies.