As a fisherman for more than fifty years I strongly support the need to teach children how to fish, especially during an era when morality (and ethics) are a choice rather than the standards they were a generation ago.
Programs such as the Future Fisherman Foundation and Take Me Fishing are effectively being used across the country to teach kids, not only the sport of fishing but positive life skills. According to the “Future Fisherman Foundation” heres how it works:
Angling Skills
Children learn all the skills necessary to fish safely on their own in a variety of settings, and the ability to teach others. Long-term mentors provide ongoing social support to motivate children to adopt fishing as a wholesome pastime, and encourage them to enjoy it regularly with their friends and family.
Conservation Ethics
Children take an active role in conservation in their own communities and develop ethical attitudes about the outdoors.
Social Skills
Children are empowered by a new, fun activity and positive life skills, such as creative decision-making, problem-solving, goal setting, patience, and camaraderie. Shared experiences with friends and family help children better communicate and interact with each other. They gain confidence and find a new sense of respect and responsibility for themselves, their friends and family, and their community.
If you’re interested in starting a fishing program for children contact the Future Fisherman Foundation and they will link you to partners in your area who can help you adapt the program to fulfill your particular interests and needs. This versatile program offers a variety of support materials, as well as access to brand name beginner fishing equipment at huge discounts off retail prices. To learn more about this and other programs go click here.
On a more local basis, my website, Curwensville Lake Fishing, offers a “Kids Korner” which contains links to the various programs described above. There is also some great photo’s of area kids and their fish. If you like, you may submit your own children’s photos. Just follow the instructions on the page here.
Please take a kid fishing this summer!
Jim Comer
Houtzdale
