By Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns
The Guttenberg Police Department is inviting area youth and their families to participate in the second annual Cops & Bobbers Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 6.
The tournament coincides with Iowa’s Free Fishing Weekend, meaning participants do not need a fishing license to take part in the event.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the South Marina boat ramp. Fishing will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m., with awards presented from 10 to 10:30 a.m. There is no cost to participate.
Throughout the event, Guttenberg officers will circulate among participants to weigh and measure fish. A check-in station will also be located near the registration table.
All participants will receive a grab bag that includes donations from local businesses. Prizes will also be awarded for the largest and smallest fish in various categories, with participants having the chance to win fishing rods, equipment, tackle boxes and other gear.
Police Chief Derek Chambers credited Bob Urbain of Murray’s Outdoors in Guttenberg as a key partner in the event.
“He brings a ton of fishing expertise and donates a lot to the event. I can’t stress enough that, without his partnership, the event wouldn’t be what it is,” Chambers said.
“Just from what I saw last year, I’d estimate Bob donated more than $2,000 worth of prizes and fishing gear,” Chambers said. “Between the gift certificates, tackle, fishing rods and larger prizes, he does a tremendous amount to help make the event special for the kids.”
“Last year we also had one of our sponsors who makes his own fishing lures donate a bunch of his own,” Chambers said. “It shows the creativity that some of these businesses have and that they’d rather see kids walk away with something they can use.”
Other business donations have included items such as sunscreen and water bottles.
The Cops & Bobbers-style fishing tournament isn’t a new concept, but it was first brought to the Guttenberg community last year when the idea was suggested by officer Kassidy Brandel.
“Everybody in our department enjoys fishing, so it’s fun to share that interest with local kids,” Chambers said. “At the same time, we’re building relationships and helping them see law enforcement in a positive way.”
While Cops & Bobbers is one way the department connects with local families, Chambers said building relationships within the community is an ongoing priority. Through community events, school activities and everyday interactions, officers strive to be familiar faces and approachable resources for area youth.
Having four children of his own in school, Chambers said many local youth already know him through his family.
“They know me more as Olivia or Rheagan’s dad than Chief Chambers,” he laughed.
After a successful first year that attracted nearly 50 participants, organizers are looking forward to continuing to grow the event.
“Last year was just fishing. This year we’re adding a casting competition, and each year we’d like to add something new,” Chambers said.
Commenting on participation in the inaugural year, Chambers said, “It definitely showed that we have the support of the community. It was great to see so many families come out and enjoy the event. There were even people traveling from outside the area to attend.”
Chambers encourages families to attend regardless of their fishing experience.
“I would encourage everybody to come to the event,” he said. “It’s low stress, it’s family friendly and, as long as the weather’s good, we’re going to have fun fishing.”
The officers and volunteers will be wearing matching shirts so they are easy to identify if participants have questions or need assistance.
Murray’s Outdoors owner Bob Urbain and other local fishing enthusiasts will be on hand to share their knowledge. The Iowa DNR has also been invited to attend.
Chambers said the event’s shortened format was intentional, allowing families to participate before heading to graduation parties and other weekend activities while still taking advantage of Iowa’s Free Fishing Weekend.
