Gone Fishin’!

More than 500 Jefferson and Shelby County students are “Gone Fishin’, Not Just Wishin’” this week at Oak Mountain State Park. The annual event is sponsored by Alabama Power and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with a host of other supporters. The event began Wednesday, May 12 and will continue today and Friday.

The students range in age from five to 21 and are from the Shelby County Linda Nolen Learning Center and the Jefferson County Burkett Center. All have various physical and mental challenges.

In addition to fishing, the students will participate in art projects, have an opportunity to perform with local musicians, listen to storytellers and learn aspects of water safety including the proper use of life jackets.

Personnel from the Department of Conservation will make sure that the rods and reels are operational and assist students with fishing. The lake has been netted off and stocked with catfish and largemouth bass. Photos of students with their catch are taken and given to the child as a keepsake. The fish are released after being caught.

Click here for more information about other community fishing events.

 ###