Eden Prairie firefighter C. Curtis hands out fishing rods to young participants at the Hooks and Ladders youth fishing event on June 30 at Riley Lake Park. Each child received a rod, courtesy of Scheels, before boarding a pontoon with local firefighters for an evening of catch-and-release fishing. Photo by Hayden Koughan
Showers fell, but spirits stayed high on Lake Riley.
On June 30, local youth and firefighters cast lines, swapped stories, and reeled in sunnier moments during the second annual Hooks and Ladders fishing event – a community partnership between the Eden Prairie Fire Department and the Eden Prairie area chapter of Let’s Go Fishing.
Two pontoons left the dock that evening, each able to carry 10 kids, two firefighters, a boat captain, and a first mate. A brief summer storm eventually forced the boats back to shore early, but not before the kids got in some quality time on the water.
Mike Gruidl, vice president of the Eden Prairie chapter of Let’s Go Fishing, stands on the dock in Riley Lake Park in Eden Prairie as children stand aboard a pontoon during the second annual Hooks and Ladders event June 30. Photo by Hayden Koughan
“We try to teach them some fishing skills, but it’s really about time together on the water,” said Mike Gruidl, vice president of Let’s Go Fishing’s Eden Prairie chapter. “They’re getting to know the people who protect their community in a different way – out here, not just in uniform.”
The free, catch-and-release outing is modeled after Let’s Go Fishing’s “Cops and Bobbers” program with Eden Prairie police. That event, held two weeks later on July 14, celebrated its seventh year. Hooks and Ladders is newer – and growing.
“The camaraderie with the fire department has been great,” Gruidl said. “Parents come up to us afterward and thank us. Some even ask how they can volunteer with Let’s Go Fishing.”
Children and Eden Prairie firefighters pose in front of a fire engine during the June 30 Hooks and Ladders event at Riley Lake Park. In the background, from left, are fire inspector Dave Shepard, Lt. James Crabtree, firefighter Ryan Seemann, and Lt. Cal Curtis. Sponsored by Scheels, the event included free fishing rods for every child who participated. Photo by Hayden Koughan
Scheels donated rods and reels for each participant, along with a keepsake wooden “walleye” – a playful reminder of the experience.
Let’s Go Fishing Eden Prairie has been hosting community fishing events since 2012. Powered entirely by volunteers, the nonprofit offers boating and fishing outings at no cost to seniors, veterans, youth, and people with disabilities. Its Lake Riley base includes two pontoons and a dedicated dock at the public landing.
