Volunteers with USA national partner Humana gather for a photo. Union volunteers and Humana team members provided hands-on fishing instruction to youths.
SMART Local 110 and Humana Draw
Record Crowd at USA Take Kids Fishing Day
By PJ DelHomme
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – More than 200 young anglers and their families gathered at Waverly Park on Saturday, May 17, for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) annual Take Kids Fishing Day, marking the event’s largest turnout in its seven-year history.
Hosted in partnership with International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 110 and USA national partner Humana, the free event introduced children from diverse backgrounds to the joys of fishing and the importance of conservation.
Despite challenging weather on Friday, the skies cleared for a beautiful Saturday, drawing a crowd that exceeded expectations. Over 200 fishing rods and reels were given to registered youths, who also received hands-on instruction from union volunteers and Humana team members. Many young anglers caught their very first fish, with bluegill, bass, and even a few catfish making appearances.
Youths look at a freshly caught fish at the 2025 Louisville Take Kids Fishing Day. Each youth participant took home a free rod and reel.
“Humana is proud to support the communities we serve, and there’s no better way than being here in person,” said Drew Baucom, Humana Director of Business Intelligence, Group Medicare Data & Analytics. “Our volunteers were thrilled to help kids and parents, many of whom had never fished before, learn the basics and experience the excitement of their first catch. It was truly rewarding to see our team building rods, tying hooks, and handing out equipment to so many eager families.”
SMART Local 110 contributed a dedicated team of retirees, managers, and apprentices, alongside Humana volunteers and their families.
“This event is a highlight for our union every year,” said Kyle Killebrew, event organizer and SMART Local 110 member. “This was our seventh year running the Louisville event, and it’s grown tremendously. We had more advertising this year, with social media posts that really helped spread the word. I was shocked at how many people came out—just over 200 poles were given away, making this our biggest crowd ever.”
Volunteers Kyle Killebrew (SMART Local 110), Drew Baucom (Humana) and Mark Adams (SMART Local 110) take a photo together at Waverly Park during Take Kids Fishing Day on May 17.
Killebrew shared a personal connection to the event and the union’s fishing tradition.
“My oldest is almost 19 and a sheet metal apprentice who helps out at the event,” he said. “He brought my youngest, who just turned six. My mom was a sheet metal worker and was an apprentice when she was pregnant with me, so you could say I’ve been doing this a while. It’s amazing to see the next generation getting involved by giving back and volunteering.”
He reflected on the joy of introducing kids to fishing.
“Many of the kids had never fished before, and they were so excited when they caught their first fish,” Killebrew said. “Some didn’t want to throw them back. They want to take them home as pets! Fishing is such an accessible outdoor activity. All you need is a little tackle, some worms, and a willingness to get outside. That’s what makes this event so special.”
Baucom agreed.
“The energy was incredible. There were parents learning right alongside their children, and everyone left with smiles.”
Take Kids Fishing Day is part of USA’s flagship conservation program, Work Boots on the Ground, which organizes free, community-based youth outreach events nationwide. The program aims to connect families with the outdoors, teach conservation values, and inspire the next generation of anglers and environmental stewards.
