Houston County, Texas – Inspired by his son King Bard’s victory as the youngest angler in a Lake Sam Rayburn tournament, Kory Bard organized a free youth fishing day at Ratcliff Lake. The event, held in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, welcomed 35 children eager to try fishing for the first time.
From a Personal Win to a Community Opportunity
King, five, captured a crappie to claim the tournament title, saying the excitement comes “when you get that excitement when you’re ready to go out and catch some fish.” Seeing his son’s enthusiasm, Kory Bard said, “He was the youngest in there and then he ended up winning it and I was like there needs to be more of this.” Determined to share that joy, Bard founded Reign Fishing, a nonprofit aimed at introducing children—especially beginners—to the sport.
Partnering with Texas Parks and Wildlife
As a certified angling instructor, Bard worked with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to provide first‑fish certificates, pins and educational materials. The department’s involvement underscored the event’s focus on safety, conservation and outdoor stewardship.
Kids Learn, Play and Respect the Environment
Participants, ranging from toddlers to early teens, learned basic casting techniques, safety rules and the importance of “pack in, pack out” stewardship. “Just getting the outdoors and kind of slowing down for a minute and just enjoying time, you know, catching fish and really kind of soaking in the moment,” said Brendon Ward, who attended with his family.
Several children caught their first fish, sparking smiles and a sense of accomplishment. “Also making sure that we keep things clean. We pack in, we pack out, we make sure that the whole time, you know, we’re not throwing trash on the ground,” Bard emphasized, reinforcing the event’s environmental message.
Community Support Keeps the Day Free
Local businesses stepped up to keep the day free for families. Brookshire Brothers and Academy Sports and Outdoors donated water, snacks and fishing supplies, ensuring that no child was turned away due to cost.
When asked what he caught, King proudly replied, “Um, a crappie and I won the thing with one crappie. That’s awesome!” His excitement mirrored the broader community sentiment: a simple, well‑organized day on the water can foster lasting memories and a love for nature.
Looking Ahead
Bard hopes to make the youth fishing day an annual tradition, expanding to other lakes in East Texas. By providing free, hands‑on experiences, he aims to nurture a new generation of anglers who respect both the sport and the environment.
For families interested in future events, Reign Fishing encourages sign‑ups through its website and social media channels. As Bard put it, “This could be something these kids can feel, this joy and get outside.”
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
