Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe has turned his pastime into a community program: the “Reel Justice Fishing Club,” now entering its fifth year and accepting applications for next summer. The initiative pairs young people with adults for supervised fishing outings designed to build relationships, offer constructive summer activities and steer participants toward positive choices.
Rowe describes the effort as a form of restorative justice that goes beyond courtrooms. By bringing families together on local lakes and ponds, the program aims to reduce idle time during summer months and create a stable, mentoring environment that can have long-term benefits for youth at risk.
What started with grant money has transitioned to local backing. Today the club runs entirely on community support: volunteers, donated gear and the help of small businesses in Kankakee County.
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- Season: Runs during summer months; applications for next year are open now.
- Participation: Youth attend with a parent or guardian; volunteers from the Northern Illinois Anglers Association help on outings.
- Equipment: Elliott’s Bait and Tackle supplies most rods, reels, bait and lures.
- Approach: Mostly catch and release, with instruction on different baits and lures depending on location.
- Community partners: Named supporters include Bill Terrill, Miles Maiden and Dugan Hubert.
Outings rotate between a mix of familiar and new spots. Rowe and volunteers scout county waters to find youth-friendly locations with high chances of success, then add fresh sites each year to keep participants engaged. Recent stops included Bird Park Quarry, Turnberry Ponds, Munjoy Ponds and Hieland Lakes.
One recurring stop is at the Manteno veterans’ home, where the program intentionally pairs young anglers with veterans to foster intergenerational connection. Organizers say those moments can be just as meaningful as any catch.
“We’re trying to give kids an experience that sticks,” Rowe said, noting he attends most outings when court schedules allow. He emphasizes patience for new anglers: early trips might yield nothing, but repeated outings build skills and confidence.
Volunteers and local business owners report tangible results. Elliott DuCharme, owner of the local tackle shop, says several participants returned to fishing after the club and became regular customers — a sign organizers take as evidence the program is creating lasting interests.
Most sessions focus on teaching technique and etiquette, with organizers switching between live bait and artificial lures depending on target species. While the emphasis is on learning and conservation, some newcomers have walked away with notably large catches.
The program’s sponsors and volunteers view Reel Justice as a preventive measure: occupying summer hours with supervised, constructive activity can reduce opportunities for trouble and strengthen family bonds.
Applications and details are posted on Rowe’s office website at k3sao.com/fish. Spots are limited and organizers encourage families to apply early.
