Jim ‘Moose’ Carden Fishing Clinic Celebrates 40 Years
The Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic is set to return to Kokomo, giving youth ages 6-12 years old the chance to learn more than just the recreational skills of the sport.
John Martino, one of the program’s leaders, said the clinic, now in its 40th year, began as an idea discussed among friends. Martino and Jim “Moose” Carden, whom the program now honors, dreamed this up while on a fishing trip on the Eel River.
“If it involves kids and fishing, count me in!” Martino recalled sharing with his friend. In 1984, the first clinic was hosted at Roger’s Pavillion at Highland Park serving a class of 80 youth.
“To say the clinic has exploded is an understatement,” said Martino.
After 40 years, the clinic has now shared this experience with more than 5,000 youth. Martino and other volunteers are filled with emotion hearing stories of summer fun and life skills learned from adults that were youth in the clinic in the early years of the program. It’s not just a local gem, as the clinic has received state and national recognition and it’s highly sought after to be developed in other areas.
“It’s a testimate of the sponsors and volunteers we have that make this program such a great experience…it’s more than just fishing,” Martino said.
The clinic is limited to the first 140 youth who register. Registration is first come-first serve and begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 10 at the Lucas Home Furnishings Warehouse at 1500 N. Reed Road, Kokomo, IN 46901 (the former location of the Kokomo Event & Conference Center).
For $25, Youth ages 6-12 years old that are accepting into the clinic will receive fishing gear, experience classes and learn about different types of fishing, and test out their skills during the tournament at the Kokomo Reservoir.
Classes are open to the public and held at Kokomo High School. Registration forms (below) will be available on site during registration and in advanced at The Kokomo Tribune office. You can also print the form and find more information by following the Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic Facebook Page.
