Union Volunteers introduce twin cities youth to ice fishing

Ice fishing © Dan Johnson

Ice fishing © Dan Johnson

Ice fishing © Dan Johnson

Temperatures hovering around zero didn't stop more than 100 budding young anglers and their families from participating in the Minneapolis Area Take Kids Ice Fishing Day at scenic Coon Lake on Saturday, January 19.

A joint effort by the Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA), International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 9 and a coalition of other supporters, the free event was aimed at introducing the next generation of anglers and conservationists to the joys of ice fishing.

Much to their delight, the youngsters received a free ice fishing rod and reel courtesy of Pure Fishing and game calls from Plano Synergyall while making great memories with their families and union mentors.

"The kids had fun and the event went really well," said local project leader Dave Morin, a member of IUEC Local 9.

Morin reported that 25 volunteers from the local community and various unions including IUEC Local 9, area building trades and SMART Local 209 donated 152 hours toward planning and holding the event at no cost to the participants or their families. Volunteers provided instruction and assistance, including drilling holes, rigging the participants' new fishing poles, and offering sage advice on how to hook the big one.

After fishing, the young hardwater warriors and their families were treated to a picnic-style lunch, plus raffle prizes from hats to heaters and a brand-new Vexilar FL-8 fish locator.

"Seeing how excited the kids are getting out on the ice and the looks on their faces when they catch fish makes it all worthwhile," said Morin, a lifelong outdoorsman who was chosen to appear in a 2018 episode of the USA's Brotherhood Outdoors television series based on his union work ethic and commitment to sharing the outdoor experience with others.

"I can't thank the volunteers, local sponsors, union supporters and the Union Sportsmen's Alliance enough," he added. "Without all of their help, this event wouldn't have happened."

Morin also noted that holding such events helps build relationships between unions and the general public, by reminding community members that union workers are friends and neighbors who enjoy giving back to their hometowns.

The event was led by IUEC Local 9 with support from other unions in the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, along with Pure Fishing, Plano Synergy, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Thorne Bros. Custom Rod and Tackle, Clam Outdoors and Vados Bait and Tackle.

"Our first-ever youth ice fishing event was a big success," said USA Conservation Manager Robert Stroede. "Thanks to a diehard crew of volunteers from various local unions and the local community, participants were treated to good food, lots of prizes, free fishing gear and heated fishing shelters with holes pre-drilled and ready for them to wet their lines. The fish were fickle, but some participants managed to land a few yellow perch and a couple northern pike were caught on tip-ups. The day was filled with smiles and new friendships, and provided plenty of incentives for holding similar winter events in the future."

The Minneapolis-area event was the latest in series of free, community-based Take Kids Fishing Day activities held as part of Work Boots on the Ground the USA's flagship conservation program. In 2018, open-water fishing events were held in Marietta, Ohio, Barboursville, West Virginia, and Eau Claire, Janesville, La Crosse and Madison, Wisconsin, collectively drawing more than 800 participants. Additional events are planned for 2019.

"With more than 40 million anglers generating $35 billion in retail sales and $600 million for fisheries conservation and public water access through special excise taxes each year, it's critical to continue recruiting new anglers," Stroede added. "Plus, research has shown that outdoor-related activities such as fishing create participatory pathways for children to experience nature and help kindle a lifelong interest in environmental conservation."