Generous angler volunteers from Utah commit themselves, their boats and their gear to the Cast for Kids event, hosted by the Bureau of Reclamation, each summer.

The 10th anniversary of the event in Utah will be celebrated at Rockport Reservoir on Aug. 11, when more than 50 disabled and disadvantaged children are expected to show up for a chance to catch their first fish or show off skills they have learned at past events.

Sometimes, as George Sommer learned, the thrill is not always in catching fish.

"The look on their faces when they catch a fish is priceless, but some of them could care less if they catch a fish," said Sommer, president of the Utah Bass Federation, which has been involved with the events since their inception 10 years ago. "Sometimes it just turns into a boat ride because they love that so much."

The day starts with participants being assigned to the angler volunteers. Each child is given a T-shirt, hat, fishing rod, tackle and a tackle box. After finding a life jacket that fits, the participant and any family members who want to tag along climb on the boat and hit the water.

The cost in raising a child with a disability is often enough to prevent most parents from getting involved in the sport. Teaching an impatient youngster is challenge enough. Imagine doing the same for a child with special needs. Having somebody around who spends a lot of time fishing is useful when it comes time to untangle a spider web of line or remove a hook.

Sommer said many of the family members who have been on his boat in past years can't stop thanking him for giving their special person the opportunity to experience the entire fishing experience.

Past Cast for Kids events have taken place at Strawberry, Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs. Last year one of the kids landed a 5-pound rainbow trout and won a free taxidermy mount.

The boats return in time for lunch and the new anglers promptly set about a key component of fishing: stories of the ones that got away and bragging about the ones that didn't.

Awards are presented to the anglers after lunch. While the kids enjoy the plaques and goodies bags they get, it is the volunteers who may be getting the best prize of all.

"I'm not really sure how to put it in words. You learn a lot about appreciating the simple things on these trips," Sommer said. "It is really hard to come away from each event without a really good feeling about doing something for somebody else."

For more information on the Aug. 11 event at Rockport, visit www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/cast/. Another event will be in Page, Ariz., on Lake Powell on Sept. 29.

brettp@sltrib.com