SMART Local 110 volunteers with gather for a picture at Bob Noble Park. The group provided kids and their families with fishing instruction and assistance.
From Storms to Sunshine:
Young Anglers Shine in Paducah
By PJ DelHomme
PADUCAH, Ky. – The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) hosted a free, public Take Kids Fishing Day event at Bob Noble Park on Saturday, May 17.
A father and son take a picture holding a fish at the 2025 Paducah Take Kids Fishing Day at Bob Noble Park.
Over 40 young anglers from various communities and backgrounds learned about the importance of fishing and conservation.
Seven union volunteers from International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 110 were on hand to provide kids and their parents with instruction and assistance, and all registered youths received a free fishing rod and reel. These events are part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach events organized under USA’s flagship conservation program, Work Boots on the Ground.
Despite bad storms and tornadoes that rolled through Kentucky the night before the event, the dawn brought calm, sunny skies—perfect weather for young anglers and their families.
A youth angler smiles and shows off a fish at the 2025 Paducah Take Kids Fishing Day. Each youth participant took home a free rod and reel.
“I drove through those storms Friday night, and they were rough,” said Michael Hughes, a SMART Local 110 organizer.
The anglers caught mainly bluegill, although they landed a couple catfish too.
“I’m a fisherman, and I enjoy introducing kids to fishing,” said Hughes. “It seemed like everyone had fun, and I certainly look forward to doing it next year.”
The Take Kids Fishing event in Paducah is part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach events organized under USA’s flagship conservation program, Work Boots on the Ground.
“Thanks to the dedication and commitment of SMART Local 110 and its members, youths across Kentucky, from Lexington to Paducah, were able to experience fishing last Saturday,” said USA Conservation Manager Cody Campbell. “The impact those union volunteers had on the kids and their families is immeasurable when you consider that those three fishing events sparked a new outdoor interest for many of those kids that may last a lifetime.”
