The City of Rochester, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and other outdoor organizations, will host the third annual Cobbs Hill Learn-to-Fish Event on Saturday, April 26.
The event will take place at Lake Riley Lodge in Cobbs Hill Park.
Betsy Ukeritis, an educator with the DEC, said the event includes a number of accommodations to make fishing more accessible to people of all abilities.
“We do bring what’s called adaptive fishing gear, such as a Strong Arm rod holder,” Ukeritis said. “It helps youth and adults who may have cerebral palsy or have lost their hands, or a veteran who has a traumatic brain injury so their hands aren't steady or they don't have a strong grip.”
An American Sign Language interpreter will also be available to assist members of the deaf community.
Ukeritis noted that the event aligns with the city of Rochester’s Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, which the city adopted several years ago.
“It’s like 10 items that all children should be able to do as they grow up,” she said. “Some of that is fishing, some of it is learning about nature, looking at the stars, how to ride a bike, learning to swim — all of those things that make the outdoors fun, even if you are living in a city like Rochester.”
The event kicks off at 1 p.m, and Ukeritis said people of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. All activities are land-based, and bait will be provided by the DEC.
