Central Alberta youth interested in learning how to fish, are invited to the annual Lacombe Kids Can Catch event today (June 1).

Fishing mentors will be available to help new anglers learn how to cast a line at the Len Thompson Pond. 

“We've put it on to try and get kids out fishing,” said Bernie Street, Fishing Chairperson for Lacombe Fish and Game. “The numbers have been dropping around the province, and we feel it's a good chance to get the kids out and show them how to get into the fishing industry.”  

He added that fishing is a great sport for youth of all ages to get involved with.  

During the event, youth will be given instructions and a fishhook to try and catch something. 

The annual event typically brings between 200 and 250 youth from four years or age to about 16.  

Fishing equipment will be available to borrow, but youth are encouraged to bring their own if they can.  

The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will include lunch refreshments, and face painting.   

Street added that at 11 a.m., youth will be able to release Rainbow Trout into the pond.  

“We get kids who come back because they enjoy the releasing of the fish,” Street said. “They really enjoy that, so quite often they'll come back just to be a part of that.”