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Mahogany Youth Camping and Fishing Trip |
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Wow!!What a fantastic trip. You see we teach a clinic that covers those basics and more. You can register your child to take that clinic at Bass Pro Shop or we can come to your school, church or organization. We found that only a few of our kids have had the
camping out experience. The g Kathleen had already contacted Winn Dixie for food. They were happy to provide the hot dogs, buns and breakfast food for the group. Tell them thanks as well. Florida Fish provided the rods, reels and a grant for the transportation. As you can see there was an outpouring of community support. You also can support this effort by making a donation to Mahogany Youth Corporation. Originally we planned to leave Friday night after school. We soon realized that one of our senior youth; Anthony Parker was on his way home for spring break and would miss the bus if we left on Friday. So we decided we could leave early sat morning so he would get a chance to go.
The youth were ready by 5:30 a.m. We picked up the
group in a fifteen-passenger van. Willie and Jeff drove their trucks with their boats hanging out of the trucks. It was a beautiful morning a little rain but nothing to worry about.
Our newest club member Deborah Carr had been promising that she would go with us on the next trip and was ready to go. One mom almost did not make it because her son, one of our youth had seen a shooting of a classmate take place at his school. He was devastated. He still wanted to go camping so his mom, Donna, tagged alone for extra support. This was beautiful day to be out driving. We rode up Highway 27. The breeze was nice and cool. The van we rented floated down the highway. Our first stop was to catch bait. We caught grass shrimp and after a couple of good scoops we were on our way. A few kids got out of the car to watch us gather bait, while others laid in the van trying to get a few hours extra sleep. Because they had stayed up all night laughing, talking about the trip they were already tired but very excited. Our second stop was the gas station where we notice how high priced the gas was. Your donation can help pay for the gas for our next trip. We stopped at the Pahokee Pier to let the kids get a view of the lake. (Wow! It looks like a ocean.) We drove by Canal Point, and then past Sand Cut. It did not look like it took us long before we were driving into the Okee Tannie Campsite. The youth team started setting up the tents while I prepared lunch. In order to cook the gazebo was set up and the cooking utensils were brought out. We had boiled hot dogs and potatoes chips with juice. After lunch everyone unpacked. Willie and Jeff prepared the boats for fishing. The next thing to do was break out the loaner poles and tackle boxes. We were going fishing. Woo Hoo!! We then went down to the bank o The older boys were coming back with their catch for dinner. Jeff and Willie had taken Terrence and Antwane fishing in the boats and they were coming in with their catch. They caught big bluegills and shell crackers. Within the hour the fish were cleaned and ready for the deep fryer. We put a big pot of grits on and fried the fish. An open air fish fry was just the ticket. A few kids did not eat fish so we had homemade chicken stew for them. Later that night after cleaning up the dishes, (paper plates) we prepared for the late night speck trip. Everyone piled in the van and away we went. The drive to the fishing area took about fifteen minutes. We drove down a long, bumpy, dark road. I pulled over to the parking spot and we proceed to get out of the van. No one would move until we had some lantern lights on. We walked down the long dark path. It was just like a ghost story that you tell around the campfire. As we came to the opening it got brighter, we could see the water lit up with all types of boats. It was like 42nd St back there, the lights from the boats were lighting up the entire area. The rods and reels went out. The bait we tried first was minnows then Grass shrimp, worms but nothing was working. Marcus Turner even had a grasshopper to no avail. The fish were not biting. Then it happened. Young Mike Turner wins with the first speck. It was tough fishing. Later, Kathleen drove up and fished with us but even she did not catch any fish that night. Anthony Parker caught two fish. Since we were not catching anything one by one everyone wanted to get back to the tent. We all went to bed. The next morning we got up early and made a great breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage. After breakfast we did a little more fishing. We fished on the other side of the river and everyone caught fish too small to take home. Even so it worked and they enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next trip. The kids laughed and joked all the way home. What a great way to spend the weekend.
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Mahogany Youth needs you.
We work with kids of all ages and backgrounds to teach them fishing. We share your love of the outdoors with the kids and take them fishing. Some kids can afford the trips and the equipment but many can not afford to go except because of the generous donations of people like you. We have had people donate money, boats big and small, equipment, time and their talent to this worthwhile non profit organization. Imagine if you opened your tackle box and it was empty. You would simply go down to Bass Pro shop and buy more. These kids do not have that option. Won't you share the gift of fishing with them?
It is simple you can donate online. or by mail. Simply mail your tax deductible check to Mahogany Youth Corporation, P.O. Box 381305 Miami Florida, 33238 or call (786) 507-1555 and we will come and pick up your donation of a boat, equipment etc.
We want to thank the following sponsors: Bass Pro Shops in Dania, Winn Dixie, Wendy's Hamburgers, Fish Florida Outdoor Traveler located inside Bass Pro Shop in Dania the home of the $49.00 3day 2 night getaway to Orlando, St. Augustine, Smokey Mountains and more. Email Kathleen for more information. And Mahogany Outdoors our parent organization for all of their generous support. WWW.Mahoganyoutdoors.com
Previous Fishing Clinic at Gwen Cherry Park
Taking a break from the hard work of fishing.
Our fearless leader hard at work preparing breakfast.
We are going to the keys to camp next month. Won't you join us. Simply email us at mahoganyyouth@mahoganyoutdoors.com
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the water for a little casting, knot tying and fishing safety before the
fishing event later that night. After we broke in the rods and reels
everyone was back in camp. While cleaning up after lunch, I happen to
mossy by the tents where little Mike who had been stressed out from his
ordeal at school was sound asleep. I went back a few times to check on
him and he was asleep like a log. We could have fished then but I
decided to let him get the chance to rest. Wow. What a difference a
little fresh air makes. Within the hour Mike would be up jumping up and
down in the tent with the other boys.
This is what we were looking to catch. 
