C.A.S.T. was a BLAST !!! Belton Lake Event for Special Needs Kids






C.A.S.T. stands for “Catch A Special Thrill” and is an annual event sponsored by Outreach Health Services. It is a fun day of fishing for kids with various disabilities from our local community.


Today I served as “captain” to two great kids — Johnny and Phalerie. I was ably assisted by my “Boat Buddy”, Charlotte (who is also my mom AND a Registered Nurse!).

Phalerie with a keeper white bass she caught on a Pet Spoon.


Johnny with a hybrid striper that was fooled by his Thin Fin lure.


We launched out of Temple Lake Park on Belton Lake at around 8:30am. Unfortunately, it was VERY windy today which limited both access and techniques we could employ.


We just kept it real safe and real simple today and downrigged for suspended white bass and hybrid stripers today with Pet Spoons and Thin Fins between Areas 738 and 592.

We fished for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and over that period of time, both kids caught 3 fish. Our total of 6 fish consisted of 4 short hybrid stripers and 2 white bass.

By 10:30, the wind had increased to 20+ mph and we slowly made our way back in for an 11:00am wrap up time.

Once back at the dock, a photographer shot photos of all of the kids with their “captain” and “boat buddy” and we all headed to the Pavillion for a cookout and entertainment (rescue helicopter, K-9 units, para-surfers, and crafts).

The whole event ran very smoothly, and everyone there had a positive, upbeat attitude. This was a great volunteering experience!

TODAY’S CONDITIONS:

Start Time: 8:30a

End Time: 10:40a

Air Temp: 72F at trip’s start.

Water Surface Temp: ~67.0 F

Wind: Winds were stiff from the S at ~17, increasing to 20+ by trip’s end.

Skies: Skies were fair with a light haze.