Marble While some people say government and businesses can’t work together, that was proved wrong Saturday.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, along with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, got together with G&S Bait and Carolina Mountain Trout, both of Andrews, to put on a Kids Fishing Day at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Ranch. All time and materials were donated, not costing taxpayers a dime.
The event has been held for at least 15 years, according to Stephanie Swanson, organizer of the event for the sheriff’s office. It’s a day when the sheriff’s office welcomes youngsters, their parents or grandparents to fish in the pond at the sheriff’s ranch.
The Wildlife Resources Department and Carolina Mountain Trout stocks the pond for the event, while G&S bait provides the worms, tackle as well as Zebco Rods & Reels for those who don’t have their own. There is no limit on how many fish each participant can catch, and they are welcome to take them home for dinner if they would like. However, the sheriff’s office does not offer cleaning services for the catch.
Over the years, 250-300 people have attended the event, and 2024 was no different. Even with the chilly temperatures of blackberry winter, attendance was not affected this year.
Even if you have never fished or had a desire to do so, it was worth the trip just to see the look on a child’s face when they hooked their first fish.