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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