Kids get hooked on fishing in Mitchell
Sarah Atkins
mnjreporter@gmail.com
The beginning of June means many things in Mitchell County; for many children and teenagers under 18, it means waking up early to go fishing.
Troutacular is a free fishing event for children and teenagers of Mitchell County. During the event, kids are allowed to fish with bait, keep what they catch, and possibly earn a prize.
Mitchell County has hosted Troutacular on the first Saturday of June for over 20 years. This event takes place in both Bakersville and Spruce Pine and allows children from all over the county to fish in Cane Creek and the North Toe River.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife website, Delayed Harvest trout waters are open only to youth under 18 from 6 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. on the first Saturday of June of each year. This gives children the opportunity to fish trout streams before they get “fished out” by more advanced fishermen.
Despite the early morning hour, the 5:30 a.m. start in Bakersville does not deter excited children. One young boy was ready to go as early as possible, telling his mother “I’ve been waiting 365 days for this!”
From playing on the park playgrounds to catching the biggest fish of the day, children all over the county were able to have fun by getting outside and exploring nature. Paula Keller, a Lions Club member, said, “Troutacular introduces children to fishing, gets them outside and off their iPads, and teaches them about the environment.”
Troutacular also gives children the chance to explore their creativity. Six-year-old Amelia Green was asked to design the shirts to be given out to participants at the Bakersville event. Her detailed drawing of a trout jumping out of a stream is a testament to how Troutacular is centered around the children of the community and allows them opportunities to discover what they are capable of.
Volunteers at both the Bakersville and Spruce Pine Troutacular events commented on how the event brings families together, allowing parents and children to spend intentional time outside with one another.
Not only does Troutacular bring families together, but it also brings community organizations together. In Spruce Pine, the Lions Club, Grassy Creek Baptist Church, and the Gideons all took part in putting on the event. These groups helped make Troutacular more enjoyable for those who attended by offering cookies, coffee, and prizes.
In Spruce Pine, the prize for the longest fish caught was a guided fishing trip. In Bakersville children and their parents were offered lunch and prizes after the event.
The groups that host Troutacular each year ensure that the event encourages children to get involved and get excited about being outside. Troutacular will return next year on June 7, 2025, again welcoming any kid who wants to fish or just be in nature.