Luring Kids To Fishing

Sun., Aug. 13, 2000

Rich Landers Outdoors Editor

Never underrate the attraction of a fishing rod to a kid. In 14 years, the Hooked on Fishing program has reached 6 million kids in all 50 states, said Gordon Holland, the organization’s director in Ketchum, Okla.

The program, which includes local fishing derbies and casting contests, plans to help local organizations across the country sponsor about 650 individual derbies this year.

Local events are organized by a variety of groups, including parks and recreation departments, community service organizations, scouting groups, and state and federal agencies including the U. S. Forest Service, a major user and partner of the program.

“Hooked On Fishing International provides the promotional materials in kit form to these host groups,” said Holland.

“We send everything needed to conduct a half-day event for community youngsters. All that’s required locally is a host group and volunteers to provide the instruction to the kids, and this has never been a problem.”

“Fishing clubs are a great source of manpower, and quickly step forward to help on the local level, providing instruction in knot tying, tackle use and casting,” he said.

Many communities, including Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, have received state agency support for these types of derbies in extra stocking of fish to insure that the kids get a quality fishing experience.

Besides the information booklets, banners and posters needed locally, additional goodies for the local events are provided by national sponsors.

For information on sponsoring a kids fishing derby event in 2001, contact Hooked On Fishing International, P.O. Box 660, Ketchum, OK 74349, or e-mail kidsfishing@usa.net.

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