PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A growing number of girls are showing an interest in fishing — a fact that was evident earlier this year at the annual Sportsman’s Show held at UMPI and hosted by the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club.
From fishing rod sales and a stocked trout pond to fly-tying demonstrations, boys and girls from throughout Aroostook County flocked to Gentile Hall, sharing their interests with the adults in their lives, some hoping to catch a fish and others hoping to buy the latest fishing gear. Among those taking part in the festivities were a father and daughter from Presque Isle, Kevin and Kimberly Cook.
For the younger Cook, this marked her second year trying her hand tying flies at the show.
“I did it last year and really like it,” said Kimberly Cook, age 10.
“She started last year,” said Kevin Cook, noting his daughter has inherited his love of fishing.
“I collect fly rods. She now has one of the first fly rods I had as a child. My grandfather used to fly fish the St. John River,” said Kevin. “It’s become a family tradition.”
While the Cooks purchase some equipment, Kimberly was proud to note she also designs flies of her own.
“I’ve got some of my own designs,” said Kimberly, as she worked with a pink feather, making a unique pattern for her latest creation.
Kevin said he had no idea his daughter would turn out to have such an interest in the craft but he’s enjoyed her enthusiasm since discovering her talent last year.
“We came to the show last year, she tried tying a few flies and loved it. For Easter last year she got her first fly-tying kit,” said Kevin.
He said his daughter is definitely a unique and talented child, with a diverse interest in many things.
“One minute she will be dancing, the next she and her friends want to go fishing. It’s not unusual for her to have friends stay over, only to wake me the next morning, telling me they’re ready to go fishing. We all hop in our vehicle and head for a fishing spot,” said Kevin. “I love it. We’ve got a lot of good memories and continue to make more.”
This year he said his daughter couldn’t wait to get to the show.
“When we got here, this is the first place she wanted to head to — the fly-tying exhibit. She’s got more patience than I do; she can sit and do this for hours,” said Kevin.
“I enjoy making my own designs. I like to make things,” Kimberly said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Ben LeBlanc, owner of Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle, said his display garnered a lot of attention, with a lot of young people stopping to check out rods and reels.
“I had a lot of people stop by, including dads and their kids. Fishing is a sport the whole family can enjoy,” said LeBlanc.
While the Cooks enjoy fly fishing, others prefer to bait fish.
“I like regular fishing and am glad the season opened early,” said Joshua Boucher, 12, of Chapman, as LeBlanc showed him a new reel. “I have some tackle but could use some more.”
Curtis Lewin, who is in charge of the local Elks’ Hooked on Fishing program, was pleased to see so many children in attendance again this year. He said hundreds of children checked out the trout pond, including his own grandchildren.
“Kids are our whole future. The trout pond has been one of the most popular sites at the show for the past couple years. The fish were lively, jumping around. The kids seemed to really enjoy it,” said Lewin. “My grandkids came up from Smyrna Mills and tried their hand at fishing. Hannah Lee is 9 and Isaac Lee is 6. It’s great to see them interested in an activity like fishing.”
Lewin was also on hand for the Hooked on Fishing event held recently at Mantle Lake Park. That too saw a good turnout of parents and kids enjoying the sport of fishing.
“Fishing is truly a family sport — something everyone can do, no matter how young or old they are. It’s great fun for everyone,” said Lewin.
