Hundreds of Kentucky kids participate in union-sponsored fishing events across state
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
KENTUCKY, (KBSI) – Members of SMART Local 110 hosted youth fishing events across Kentucky on May 16, drawing hundreds of children and families to lakes in Paducah, Lexington and Louisville.
Organizers said 279 children participated in the three 2026 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Take Kids Fishing Day events, with each child receiving a free fishing rod and reel. Participants caught bass, bluegill, trout, crappie and catfish throughout the day.
The events are part of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Work Boots on the Ground conservation program, which organizes free community outreach events focused on outdoor recreation and conservation.
SMART Local 110 Business Representative Kyle Killebrew said the annual event is about more than fishing and helps teach children the importance of conservation and caring for the outdoors.
Volunteers from Humana also assisted during the Louisville event. Drew Baucom, a Humana Group Medicare director, recalled a young girl catching her first fish — a largemouth bass weighing an estimated 3 to 4 pounds.
Jeremy Waugh, a SMART Local 110 organizer, said he has volunteered at the Lexington event since it began and enjoys helping families and learning alongside participants.
Additional information about future Union Sportsmen’s Alliance events is available at the organization’s website.
