Children come out to fish at Lake Vesuvius

By LAURA WILCOX

PEDRO -- Five-year-old Riley Cartmill was excited to bait a hook for the first time on Saturday during the free fishing derby at Wayne National Forest's Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.

"There's a real worm on there now," he said.

Cartmill was one of more than 140 children who came out to fish, participate in contests and enjoy food and prizes.

Sandy Cartmill of Huntington was helping her grandson, who was visiting from Columbus, Ohio, fish at the event.

She said events like Saturday's teach children patience while learning about the environment.

Kari Kirschbaum, district wildlife biologist for the Wayne National Forest, said the event was also a chance for families to enjoy the outdoors together.

"Part of the forest service's mission is to connect people to the land. This is an opportunity to get the kids out," she said.

John Martin of Grayson was fishing with his son, two granddaughters and two nephews on Saturday.

"I take them fishing all the time," he said.

Among the family's catches was 5-year-old Evony Martin's blue gill. She said she liked catfish best, though.

"And dogfish," she said.

Greg Freeman, vice president of the Lawrence County Bass Club, was helping children with a casting contest on Saturday. He said the event is one of the greatest things the forestry industry does, as it teaches youth about catch-and-release and reinforces concepts like Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs.

"It's good, clean fun," he said.

Numerous donations from area businesses also helped make the event possible, he said.