The 18th annual Take a Kid Fishing Day, was cut short because of rain, but many families from around the area still came out to enjoy a Saturday of fishing.

“It’s when the kids catch a fish, and they come out and they’re showing it. They’re so proud of it and they’re holding that fish up and they’re all smiles — ear to ear. That’s the best part of it. It really is. Makes my day,” said Dave Villarreal, president of the Fountain Lake Sportsman’s Club.

The event was supposed to last from 9 a.m. to noon, but it ended at 11:30 a.m. when it began to rain harder.

Even with light rain and temperatures in the low 50s, about 380 people fished from Edgewater Park all the way to Edgewater Drive, and the children caught 70 fish.

Take a Kid Fishing Day is the biggest event of the year for the Fountain Lake Sportsman’s Club, and Villarreal said he hopes the event will lead many of the children who come out to love the sport of fishing.

“It’s just come on out, have a good time and take the kids fishing and learn to love the sport,” Villarreal said.

Each child under the age 16 received a free fishing pole. Tackle, bait and other fishing equipment were available for children who needed it.

Trophies were given out for first, second and third place in boys’ and girls’ categories. Prizes were given out throughout the event over the loudspeaker. At one point Villarreal announced the first child to run to his truck wearing an Albert Lea hat or shirt would win two passes to Noah’s Ark, a theme park in Wisconsin. Other prizes included T-shirts and hats.

Villarreal said the club raises the money to buy the rods and reels, and business in town either donate money for equipment or for prizes.

Ron Meyer and grandson Issac Meyer have been coming out for three years, and Issac finished third last year when he caught a carp.

“I think it’s great anytime you can get kids all together and have fun,” Ron said.

“We don’t have to catch a fish to be happy and have fun — talk to our neighbors on both sides, just have a good time, watch what’s going on and see what kind of fish are caught,” Ron added.

Brian Toot took granddaughter Kylie Kennedy to the event for the first time Saturday. Kylie used a princess fishing pole she brought herself, and she enjoyed playing with the minnows in a small yellow cup.

Kylie met Kristine, 10, and Alecia Warren, 7, who fished with their dad Monroe Warren. The girls enjoyed playing with the minnows together. Kristine said her favorite part of the day was playing with the minnows. When a minnow would float upside down, she’d tap the cup to make them roll over.

Alecia said her favorite part was holding the minnows and letting them wiggle in her hand.

“There are not a lot of things in Albert Lea that are kid-orientated. You really have to take advantage of what is,” Monroe said.

Toot said it didn’t matter to him if he caught any fish, but he said he wanted to see Kylie catch a fish.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s awesome for the kids,” Toot said.

Members of the Fountain Lake Sportsman’s Club like Steve Lowman, a member since 1986, were out helping children who needed help with their equipment. Lowman had tackle box attached to his waist, and he said it was important to help any of the children that needed help.

“Earlier today we trying to get our fishing poles set up and we had three people helping out two of our kids. I think they put the kid’s need before theirs,” Monroe said.

Boys

First Place: Thomas Fynbo of Albert Lea with a 1-pound, 9-ounces large mouth bass.

Second place: Jack Jensen of Mankato with a 1 1/2-pound bass

Third place: Jack Pederson of Savage with a 1-pound, 3-ounce walleye.

Girls

First place: Raven Prezino of Albert Lea with a 1-pound catfish

Second place: Talia Johnson of Albert Lea with a 1-pound walleye (ties go to the first fish reported)

Third place: Morgan Oquist of Clarks Grove with an 11-ounce walleye.

Jerry Hart fished with his wife, Lisa, and his sons Noah, 12, Nick, 10, Eli, 8, and Sammy, 5. The family had their rods set out in a row, and each son took a turn catching a fish. Each of the boys had caught a fish by 11 a.m.

Brothers Tracy and Toby Oquist took their children out fishing.

Toby Oquist fished with his sons Atto, 9, and Atom, 8, and his brother Tracy, who fished with his daughters Tanner, 7, and Morgan, 12.

Morgan caught the first fish of the morning, and she took third place with an 11-ounce walleye.

Toby said Take a Kid Fishing Day was a fun, affordable event to do with the entire family. Some families had barbecue grills out, and he said the fishing could continue after the competition ended.

“I guess the biggest thing would be to catch that big one, but if not, it’s no big deal. I’ll still come back next year,” Toby said.