Welcome to On the Trail with Scout Pack 523! We have a wonderful Scout family right here in Jonesboro, and we would like to offer our community a regular view into the current and exciting happenings in the world of Scouts.

Last week, our Webelos bundled up to brave the icy temperatures in Ruston’s Mayfield Park and learn about an uncommon sport in our area: trout fishing. Each January, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) releases farm-raised rainbow trout into ponds located in community parks throughout the state, as part of the Get Out and Fish! campaign.

Experts from LDWF conducted a 45-minute class for these 5th-grade scouts, addressing topics such as diet, eating habits, farming methods, and the best strategies to lure and catch these trout.

After completing the training, scouts were given the opportunity to apply their new knowledge. Fishing poles in hand, and with the help of parents and volunteers, our youth had an exciting time honing their skills. Ultimately, because recent weather fluctuations had pushed the trout to deeper water, the troop came back empty-handed, yet their hearts were full of memories to last a lifetime.

Cubmaster, Brian Hurt, would like to thank Josh Porter from LDWF for sharing his expertise and afternoon with our scouts, as well as, assistant cubmasters Judd Rodgers and Todd Callaway, who provide excellent guidance to our pack.

If you are interested in joining the Scouts on upcoming fun family adventures, contact Brian Hurt at (318) 734-3571, or visit www.beascout.org.

For more information on the Get Out and Fish! program, visit: wlf.louisiana.gov/page/get-out-and-fish

wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fishing-workshops