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DNR OFFERS FREE FISHING TACKLE KITS LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is
offering free fishing tackle kits to qualified groups
interested in creating youth fishing clubs and sponsoring
fishing clinics for young people. Each kit contains basic
fishing equipment including spincasting rods and reels and
terminal tackle along with instructional materials and
mentoring guidelines.
"Last year, we distributed 600 sets of rod/reel combos and
terminal tackle to 27 youth organizations," said Ken Dodge,
DNR Urban Fisheries Biologist. "The list included schools,
4-H clubs, scouting groups, churches, youth correctional
facilities and others who wanted to join us in getting more
young people involved in the fun of fishing."
Research indicates that five key intervention points are
essential in the process of becoming an avid angler: (1)
providing introductory angling experiences, (2) providing
access to equipment, (3) providing access to fishable
waters, (4) providing long-term access to a mentor and (5)
providing continuing social support for fishing.
Dodge said the free fishing tackle is an incentive for
schools and youth organizations to establish fishing clubs
that can deliver all these factors. "Youth fishing clubs, in
particular, provide access to a mentor and ongoing social
support, the two things that generally are the most
difficult to provide young people outside their immediate
family."
Organizations or individuals will be selected on the
competitive strength of their proposals and the intended use
of the equipment. Ongoing programs, such as after school
fishing clubs, will receive priority. To receive more
information, contact Ken Dodge at 517-373-3960; e-mail:
dodgek@michigan.gov.
Source: MDNR
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