GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The excited screams of happiness boomed along the swampy creek behind Vera Francis Hall Park Saturday morning as children learned to catch fish.

Each child was provided with a new rod and reel – provided by resident “Papa” Guy Fisher – as well as worms and bobbers. All the children needed to bring was a willingness to give up computer games on a weekend morning and the desire to explore new ideas.

“It wasn’t about catching fish,” said professional fisherman Henry Montgomery. “It was about having fun. This got them out of the house, away from video games and learning something they can take with them the rest of their life.”

The City of Green Cove Springs hosted the event. Assistant City Manager Mike Null and City Manager Executive Assistant Kimberly Thomas

Montgomery showed how to tie a hook, set the bobber and bait the hook with a worm. After that, the children only had to wait for the bobber to disappear under the black water and reel in their prize.

They caught six fish and none were bigger than a child’s palm. But as Montgomery said, it was all about trying something new.

Montgomery is used to hooking bigger fish. He lives in Keystone Heights, owns the Blanpro Bait and Tackle Shop in Green Cove Springs and he’s a contestant on the Major League Fishing tour.

“You’re not always going to catch something every time you throw something out,” he said. “It’s about having fun. We asked, ‘Are you having fun when you’re out here?’ As you can see, they enjoyed it.”