'Fish With a Cop' reaches 28th year

STURGIS — One student proudly claimed he would catch the biggest fish on Friday.

It just so happens that he did, a 14-inch bass which was released back into the lake after being caught. Those are the types of memories both students, police and family members will cherish following the 28th annual Fish With a Cop at Camp Fort Hill.

Michigan State Trooper Jason Sylvester once again coordinated the event, which took place at the fishing docks on the banks of Tamarack Lake. The annual event, which pairs local kids in the community with law enforcement officers for a day of fishing and fun, saw everyone involved put the newer docks to good use at Camp Fort Hill. The docks were put in within the past two years. Kristina Herrington, community resources coordinator for the St. Joseph County Department of Health and Human Services, was also instrumental in this year's event.

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Richard Probst said he was very happy with this year's installment.

"We had more kids this year, which is always a good thing," he said. "There was enthusiasm from all the participants, including the kids and the police. We had several of them interested in wanting to come back again next year."

A dozen police officers, volunteering their time, from all over the county were in attendance as well.

In total, Probst said there were 18 kids in attendance for the event, including several from Sturgis. Some of them were in attendance for their fifth year of the fishing event.

"We had great weather, so that was a plus," Probst said.

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All fishing was catch and release for the day. In the future, Probst said they might entertain the idea of teaching the attendees about the legalities of fishing, including how to get a license.

Following fishing, a lunch of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs took place. Each child attending the event also received both a T-shirt and a backpack.

The Fish with a Cop event was founded by Robert Probst (Bob the Barber) of Sturgis in 1996 and has been hosted by the Probst Family every year since. Funding is provided by the Robert and Delores Probst Camp Fort Hill Youth Activity Fund through the Sturgis Area Community Foundation.

Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at bwatson@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly known as twitter, @BwatsonSJ.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: 'Fish With a Cop' reaches 28th year