Fishing Tournament Attracts All Ages

Sunny skies and a cool breeze attracted children of all ages to the fifth annual Phyllis Schnaible-George Klotz Fishing Tournament this past Saturday and Sunday at the in Hellertown. Many of the parents and grandparents in attendance at the kids' tournament Saturday were attracted to the event because they have been fishing in the park for many years.

Brian Kern, of Red Hill, Pa., said he attended the event to share his love of fishing with his son.

“I’ve been fishing since I was little, so I wanted to take my son out,” Kern said.

Kern's son, Logan, 6, had caught three fish by the late morning.

The avid fisherman says he likes to fish because it’s relaxing.

“I like to eat them too,” Kern added.

Other attendees were at the tournament to support their children’s hobby of fishing.

Jeff Smith, of Walnutport, Pa., doesn’t claim to be a fisherman, but his son does.

Paul Smith, 6, attended the tournament for the first time.

He’s frequently fishes and claims to be pretty good. He had two fish to show for his efforts on Saturday.

Two special local fishermen were also at the event to support the cause.

Tim Klotz, of Hellertown, and his son Jacob, 6, were fishing on the quieter side of the lake.

“The event is held in memory of my grandfather and our shop supports it,” Klotz explained, referring to in Hellertown.

Although they hadn’t yet caught any fish at the time they spoke with Patch, Jacob said he was sure he would be catching some during the event.

At only three years old, Madeline Janice from Bethlehem, said she likes to fish.

She even caught one while at the outing with her grandparents.

“I caught a sunfish,” she said excitedly. “That’s a trout,” her grandmother later explained. Still, the fish was impressive.

Not everyone at the tournament was there for the fishing necessarily.

Dwight Thompson, of Hellertown, certainly looked the part of a fisherman in his sun hat and fishing vest but doesn’t claim to be a fisher in any way.

“I hate fishing. I’m not a fisherman,” he said. As a second time attendee, he comes to the event with his grandson, Brandon, to give his support.

“I’m just out to help the local community center," Thompson said. "My grandson attends there. Any time I can, I like to show up to events and be a part of it.”

Whether the children and parents attended the event to fish, to remember someone, or just to support the community center, the day was special for all.