State College, PA –
The 2023 Kayak Fishing World Championship was more than just an international fishing event. USAngling co-operated with several other organizations to provide a special experience for youth anglers in Cookeville, TN at Cane Creek Park.
Youth anglers USA event started with a Fishing Derby hosted by Tennessee Tech Student Fisheries Association and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Derby/Fishing experiences were made available for youth and families during the hours of 8:00 am – 10:30 pm. Registered participants received a copy of the rules for the derby, a goodie bag, a raffle ticket, and a tally chart for any participants in the “most fish caught” category. There were 3 different age groupings with 1st place and 2nd place prizes for both “largest fish” and “most fish” totaling 12 derby prizes. A variety of Raffle prizes were also given out. Children had the opportunity to fish in the park’s pond and learn about the different types of fish that live there.
Immediately following the Fishing Derby Event, participants and families were encouraged to participate in the USAngling Youth Angler Education Day Event. This event featured a variety of young angler education programs, including the International Game Fish Associations Passport to Fishing Program, providing a hands-on and interactive method of teaching kids to fish. The curriculum and education stations included basic tackle, knot tying, conservation, environmental stewardship, casting, and angling safety. Young anglers also tested their newly acquired skills while trying to catch a Backyard Bass, and were ready for their next true angling experience.
“USAngling Youth Education Initiatives are based on the belief that the sport of angling is an important recreational, economic, and social activity on which the public must be educated to pursue in a manner that aligns with USAngling’s mission of promoting responsible, ethical angling practices and environmental stewardship” said Michael Brand, Youth Program Chair with USAngling. He continued, “The USAngling Youth Education Initiatives are to teach youth and family around the nation to fish, to help build the next generation of ethical, conservation-minded anglers, and perhaps inspire the future Sport Fishing athlete that will represent the United States in World Championship Fishing Events, and FISH FOR GOLD! “We were thrilled with the turnout for our youth angler education event and glad that USAngling was able to join us as part of the 2023 Kayak Fishing World Championship Event Program,” said Eduardo Toala-Hidalgo. The Tennessee Tech Student Fisheries Association is looking forward to working with Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency and plans to hold more youth angler education events in the future.
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For more information on Cookeville, TN:
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