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The Fishing Kids program, built around the slogan: Getting more kids fishing, more often, is designed to create and provide more fishing opportunities for urban youth in the State of Washington. Comments from the kids, parents, and volunteers are almost unanimously positive, with many participants seeking out individual volunteers and thanking them personally. About the only negative comments are that the kids didn’t get to fish long enough! (Something we can all relate to.)
Each event is designed to host 500 to 1,200 kids. Participants must pre-register, walk-ups will be accepted (room permitting). The kids fish in groups of 100 to 250 for 30-60 minutes each, depending on the site. Experienced anglers (guides) are on hand to instruct and help children and parents alike.
While one group fishes, the next group participates in casting competitions and educational sessions provided by local fishing organizations. Informational tables, manned by such agencies as Fish & Wildlife Aquatic Education Department, the Coast Guard and other outdoor related entities, are also on hand.
During the year 2000, in partnership with and as a result of increased funding from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Fishing Kids Fishing Series was expanded from 1to 9 events across the State of Washington, hosting over 5,100 children, 5,000 adults (parents) and 600+ volunteers. By 2004 the number of events had grown to 14, with over 8,599 kids participating. In 2005 we should see over to 9,000 kids joining us to experience the joy of fishing.
Fishing Kids is presented by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Youth Sportfishing Program and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation.
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children with disabilities for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The C.A.S.T. for Kids event was designed to create an environment whereby both children and adults could benefit, each taking from the day their own lessons. Children and adults could leave their problems on shore and share a day of fun on the water. It provides the opportunity to enjoy fishing and outdoor adventure for children with disabilities and who are disadvantaged. C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation Southern Region Contact:Art Pasley 1529 Sunview Drive Dallas, TX 75253 Phone:972-913-2933 Fax:972-557-8447 Email:jim@castforkids.org
