Fishing News - 5/4/00
YOUTH FISHING PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW; OVER 6 SIX MILLION ATTENDEES IN 14 YEARS
KETCHUM, OK -- Only one fishing/outdoors program in the nation reaches youngsters in all 50 states, the Kids All-American Fishing Derby, the only program that reaches out to cities both large and small to offer kids a unique introduction to the great outdoors.
"No program has ever had the far-reaching effects like this," says Gordon Holland, co-founder of Hooked On Fishing International and its Kids All-American Fishing Derby program. "We've had over six million kids and their parents at our derbies since the program began 14 years ago. Kids and fishing are our business, our only business."
Continuing in this tradition, the year 2000 will see more than 650 individual derbies featured in all 50 states. These local events are organized and hosted by a variety of organizations, 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.
Some cities have hosted these events with more than 5,000 attendees in one day! However, the average derby size is just under 180 kids.
"Hooked On Fishing International provides the promotional materials in kit form to these host groups," noted 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, casting and such. Many communities also get state agency support in extra stocking of fish, be they catfish or trout, to insure that the kids get a quality fishing experience.
"There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a little boy or girl catch their first fish, knowing that just that one moment can direct their life into great respect and enjoyment of the outdoors," said Holland.
"Besides the information booklets, banners and posters needed locally, additional ‘goodies’ for the local events are provided by our national sponsors, which this year include Berkley Trilene, Berkley PowerBait, Eagle Claw, G3 Boats, Igloo Camping, Jadico (Laker Products), Bomber and Rebel Lures from Pradco, Southwest Airlines, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Zebco."
All of these sponsors share in the program’s philosophy of getting kids outdoors and exposed to a quality pastime with their family members, and at the same time gaining respect for their environment. Many local derby organizers expand on this philosophy by combining their fishing event with education programs, bringing in representatives from state wildlife and fisheries agencies who teach and instruct the youngsters during the course of the event.
Another introduction to fishing basics for the youngsters is represented by the Zebco CrazyCast Casting Contest, an extra-added attraction at the derbies. All kids are encouraged to try their casting skills with Zebco’s newest youth-oriented fishing tackle. Whether or not the child has ever practiced casting before, the casting contest provides a fun introduction, and all participants are entered into a nationwide drawing for a great prize.
The community fishing derby events provide the right setting for family fun and a new hobby. Groups interested in receiving information on hosting a kids’ fishing derby event in 2001 should contact: Hooked On Fishing International, P. O. Box 660, Ketchum, OK 74349, or e-mail: kidsfishing@usa.net.
