Fishing Kids 2006 - May 6th

I just signed 3 of my kids up for the ‘Fishing Kids‘ program that is being held in Kennewick on May 6th. The morning sessions were already full so we signed up for the noon time slot. It only costs $5 per kid and they receive a Zebco rod and reel and a ‘Fishing Kids” T-Shirt to keep.

In looking up information for this post I found out the program is not just local but is held through the state between April and June. Its primary goal is to give kids an opportunity to go fishing. Experience guides are on hand to instruct the kids and help us parents.

The Fishing Kids program, built around the slogan: Getting more kids fishing, more often, is designed to create and provide more fishing opportunities for urban youth in the State of Washington.

Comments from the kids, parents, and volunteers are almost unanimously positive, with many participants seeking out individual volunteers and thanking them personally. About the only negative comments are that the kids didn�t get to fish long enough! (Something we can all relate to.)

While one group fishes, the next group participates in casting competitions and educational sessions provided by local fishing organizations. Informational tables, manned by such agencies as Fish & Wildlife Aquatic Education Department, the Coast Guard and other outdoor related entities, are also on hand.

Fishing Kids is presented by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Youth Sportfishing Program and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation.

Goals:

• Provide a meaningful and enjoyable fishing opportunity.
• Promote fishing as an alternative leisure activity.
• Offer educational elements such as: angler ethic, fish identification and water safety.
• Develop skills that provide a lifelong hobby.

The kids are really looking forward to being able to go fishing. Kirsten, my 9 year old especially.