Hundreds of Kids Take Part in Fishing Events Hosted by Kentucky Union Members

For the past eight years, Sheet Metal, Air Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 110 members have gathered across Kentucky to introduce local youths and their families to fishing.

This year, there were plenty of fish to go around at the three 2026 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) Take Kids Fishing Day events on Saturday, May 16 in Paducah, Lexington and Louisville.

Together, the three events drew 279 kids, and each took home a free rod and reel. As participants reeled in bass, bluegill, trout, crappie and catfish, Drew Baucom, a Humana Group Medicare Director, recalled one moment that stood out in Louisville.

“One little girl caught her first fish, and it was a big one — probably a 3- or 4-pound largemouth bass,” Baucom said. “I definitely wasn’t expecting a fish that size to come out of the lake. Seeing her catch it on a rod I had just built made it even more exciting. She didn’t want to touch the fish, but her dad held it up while I snapped a photo. I love that she shared that moment with her dad. That’s a memory that will probably stay with her forever.”

The events were part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach events organized under the USA’s flagship conservation program, Work Boots on the Ground.

SMART Local 110 Business Representative Kyle Killebrew has been a part of this event from the very beginning. Each year he brings his three kids along. For his family, the annual event is about more than just fishing.

“We own 108 acres of land, so conservation and being good stewards of the land and water are important to us,” he said. “This is the only planet we have. Throughout the day, I walked around the lake picking up trash and recycling the boxes the fishing poles came in. I’ve always believed in recycling and taking care of the outdoors. Fishing is what hooks kids in at the beginning, and from there, all the other lessons follow.”

Staff members from Humana, a USA national conservation partner, were among the volunteers in Louisville.

“I work primarily in data for Group Medicare, focusing on our Medicare clients behind the scenes,” Baucom said. “I don’t always get the chance to interact with our customers face-to-face, so I really enjoy being out there and connecting with our members on a more personal level.”

Jeremy Waugh, a SMART Local 110 organizer, has volunteered at Lexington Take Kids Fishing Day from the start. While he doesn’t fish, it’s an opportunity for him to donate his time and skills.

“The first year we hosted this event, I learned how to tie fishing hooks myself,” he said. “I’ve always believed in leading by example. I’m never going to ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. If I want people to get involved, then I need to be involved too. No matter the event, I’m always willing to volunteer my time, and if there’s something new to learn, I’ll learn right alongside everyone else.”

For more information about Work Boots on the Ground or to get involved with future USA events, visit unionsportsmen.org/upcoming-events/.