Tricentennial Park turned into a mini outdoor classroom on Saturday as dozens of kids grabbed fishing rods, gathered around the lake, and soaked in a morning that blended fun, learning, and a little bit of adventure.
The City of Mobile’s “My Wish Is to Catch a Fish” event lived up to its name from the moment families walked in.
The lake shimmered, the rods lined up neatly, and the excitement floated through the air like a perfect cast.
First Lessons and Fresh Bait
The City Parks and Recreation team kicked things off with a round of easy-to-follow fishing lessons.
Kids learned how to bait a hook without getting squeamish, cast a line without sending it into a tree, and share space on the water safely.
Staff members walked from group to group offering gentle guidance, big encouragement, and the occasional celebratory cheer when a kid sent a line sailing in exactly the right direction.
For many of the kids, it was their first time holding a fishing rod, and that “first cast” feeling was written all over their faces.
Conservation Takes Center Stage
Before anyone touched the water, organizers led families on a lap around the park to pick up trash. It wasn’t a chore. It felt more like a team warm-up with a purpose.
Sports Coordinator Dorthy Williams talked to the kids about leaving spaces cleaner than they found them and how that simple habit keeps parks healthy for fish, birds, and future fishing days.
The conservation angle added a layer of meaning to the morning. It showed the kids that every great day outdoors starts with taking care of the place that makes it possible.
Kids Dive Into the Fun
Once the fishing began, patience lasted a full ten seconds before excitement took over.
Kids leaned forward at the edge of the lake, eyes locked on the ripples in the water, waiting for even the tiniest nibble.
Third grader Ivory Walker Dale summed up the energy perfectly. He shared that he had watched people online catching fish and wanted his moment to try it too.
The idea of placing bait, tossing the line, and snagging something beneath the surface felt just as thrilling in person as it looked on a screen.
Parents watched with equal enthusiasm, snapping photos, cheering, and offering tips that may or may not have been backed by actual fishing experience.
A Park Made for Days Like This
The lake at Tricentennial Park is stocked regularly, which made the event feel inviting for beginners and seasoned fishers alike.
The whole setup encouraged people to ease into fishing without pressure. Even those who didn’t catch a fish walked away with a new skill, a fun memory, or at the very least, a story that will get retold at school.
By the time the morning wrapped up, families had learned something, helped the park, and spent time together in a setting built for exactly that.
It was a reminder of how a simple event can turn into a morning full of connection, laughter, and tiny ripples across the lake.
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