National Fishing Week, June 3-11, celebrates the fun and tradition of recreational fishing by encouraging anglers to share their experiences with others. The majority of programs and events scheduled for this week are centered around one of our most valuable resources, our children.

The benefits of introducing our children to the environment are multifaceted. One of the programs, Hooked on fishing, Not on drugs, found 65% of the kids involved had never fished before, of those that had never fished, 70% continued to fish; and 80% became more aware of the environment.

The common thread running through all kids fishing programs, is to introduce youngsters and their families an appreciation and respect for the environment through conservation methods encouraged by hands-on participation in the outdoors and the sport of fishing. Kids fishing programs promote stewardship of the environment and family togetherness!

Other benefits to kids are:

• Any child, regardless if they have a special physical or mental disability, can feel a sense of accomplishment which effects their self esteem.
• It provides them with a fun, enjoyable activity to do with their spare time.
• Fishing can actually help reduce stress that builds up in the lives of our teenagers.
• It's a sport that can be done with friends and family or done alone without feeling lonely.
• Fishing helps generate communication among friends and families and provides individuals a chance to talk about problems.
• It provides a special bonding between parent or adult partner and child.
• It can offer challenge and prestige among peers.
• It can be an inexpensive activity.

Take a kid fishing! The future of our sport will be in their hands someday.