Take a Kid Fishing officials appreciate used rods and reels

BEMIDJI – Each summer the Bemidji Area Take a Kid Fishing guides introduce more than 150 area youngsters to fishing.

Introducing a young angler to fishing is important but the ultimate goal of the TKF officials is to have the youngster develop an appreciation for fishing. For that to happen the young angler needs the proper equipment and Bruce Aalgaard has taken it upon himself to make sure the kids have dependable rods and reel.

Since the rod and reel program began in 1995 the TKF officials have given 1,146 rod and reel combos to the young anglers. Some of them are brand new outfits donated by TKF benefactors but the vast majority are recycled rods and reels that originally were purchased at garage sales or were donated by Bemidji area fishermen.

“All of the sources are important to keep our rod and reel program for kids continuing,” Aalgaard said. “The rummage sale season is coming soon and I encourage local residents to donate used rods and reels to Take a Kid Fishing instead of selling them for a few dollars.”

Any rod and reel is welcome and donations may be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce building at the Bemidji Waterfront.