Cops ‘n Bobbers Youth Fishing Event

By RUTH GILL

Enquirer Democrat Reporter

Even though it rained off and on, over 70 area youth enjoyed fishing with Police Officers on Wednesday, June 17, during the Cops ‘n Bobbers Youth Fishing Event. Children ages 6 to 12 years old from the Macoupin County area, along with their parents, participated in the 19th annual Cops ‘n Bobbers Youth Fishing Event that was held at a pond on Pleasant Dale Road in Girard. Sponsors of the event were the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Illinois Secretary of State Investigators Lodge #95, and the Illinois FOP Outreach Program, with assistance from several local and state law enforcement and first responder organizations.

“The goal of the event is for these children to have a fun, interactive, and positive time with police officers as well as to learn an alternative recreational activity to drugs and violence,” said event organizer Chris Yingling of FOP Lodge 95. “Fishing is a sport where youth can feel a sense of immediate accomplishment regardless of their age, sex, physical or mental capabilities. Youth who are introduced to fishing find a sport that can be enjoyed with friends and family as well as one that can be done alone without feeling lonely. It offers youth a challenge and gives them an opportunity to think through their feelings and problems while keeping their hands busy. Fishing is an activity that teaches the skills of discipline, conservation, self-reliance, and patience.”

Read the full story and view more pictures in the July 02, 2026 issue of the Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat.