KIDS ENJOY OPTIMISTS' FISHING ROEDEO

Casey Schneider, 9 1/2, caught the first fish Tuesday at the Jackson Evening Optimists Club's Fishing Rodeo.

Then, at dad Steve's urging, the 4-inch fish got tossed back into the lake at Cape County Park South.

"I hope I'll catch more," Casey said, adding that while Tuesday's rodeo wasn't her first fishing experience, she hasn't caught very many fish in the past.

"It's fishing, honey," her father said. "You're supposed to tell a big tale."

Casey's friend, 8-year-old Lisa Steffens, was waiting for her first bite. Lisa said her favorite part of fishing is "catching a fish."

Incidentally, neither Casey nor Lisa baited their own hooks.

"You see who's putting the worms on," Steve Schneider said.

Casey and Lisa were among about 50 youngsters from Jackson who competed in the Fishing Rodeo. Prizes were to be awarded in three age categories for youngsters catching the biggest, smallest and most fish.

"We sent out about 2,700 flyers," said Mike Gantz, chairman of this year's fishing rodeo. The annual event is open to children in grades K-6 who live within the Jackson R-2 School District's boundaries.

Morgan Penzel, 6, caught the second fish, and she held on to hers.

"It's not very big of a catfish," Morgan said, adding she expected to catch more.

Morgan and mom Terry were using mealworms.

"I like catching fish," Morgan said.

Adwin Jones, 10, was busy concentrating on his casting technique, but had time to explain he was using a jig Tuesday rather than live bait.

Adwin said he was hoping to bag "a bass or a catfish" for the competition.

Nick Seabaugh, 8, and his cousin, 6-year-old Amanda Amelunke, joined in the competition.

Nick said he was hoping to land a bass. "I like it when they fight you," he said.

Nick's father, Ben, was along to supervise and bait hooks and watch with a little envy as the youngsters waited for nibbles.

"It's almost hard to come out here and sit without a fishing pole," Ben said. "I like catfish. I just do the bass and crappie because he likes catching them."

Bobby Covington, 8, wasn't too optimistic about catching anything, but he liked the casting part.

He said he likes going fishing and "sometimes" catches fish. "Not all the time," he added.

"I saw a fish jump up a while ago, but I didn't catch him," he said.

Don Sievers coached his grandson, 6-year-old Jake.

"When you can see it move around, there's a fish sucking on it," Don said. "Let it sit. When you see it start going under, then yank it in."

Kyle Mowery, 7, said he hoped to catch "tons" of fish. He wasn't too particular about what kind they were.

"Whatever," he said. "I caught a little tiny fish. It's a bluegill."

Luke Clippard, also 7, had also caught a bluegill.

Luke said he likes fishing. "You can catch stuff," he said. "And you can have fun."

Usually, Luke said, he catches and releases fish. "But we eat bluegill, 'cause my dad says they're good, and they are," he said. "But there's four of us, so that won't be enough."