Written By
Dan Spencer, information and educational specialist
Give someone a fish, they will eat for a day. Teach them how to fish, and they’ll eat for a lifetime.
This proverb was the theme of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service led fishing and skills clinic for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington this past April. Yet, this event went well past teaching the essential skills. The participating program youth, or “Littles”, were provided with free essential fishing equipment thanks to grant funding from the Association of Retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employees in partnership with Rods and Reels in Need, whose mission is rooted in providing fishing gear to those facing financial constraints, ensuring that the joy of fishing is within reach for all. This combination of essential gear, training, and hands-on experience was geared to foster lifelong, self-sufficient anglers and lasting memories for Bigs and Littles to share!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington members and those on their waiting list signed up for this free event on April 19th at the Woodland Community Park in Lacey, Washington. Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation provided the park shelter free of charge for the check in, orientation, and skills instructional area. Service staff and AmeriCorps Service Members prepared the gear and the instruction.
After checking in with the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, both the Bigs and Littles rotated through fishing skills stations, which included rod and reel orientation, casting, fish identification, knot tying, fishing tackle, setting up bait and artificial fishing rigs and “playing” a fish (reeling it in effectively).
Once learning station rotations were completed, the Littles rigged up their fishing rods using supplies from their new tackle boxes, and we walked over to Longs Lake for some trout fishing. The weather was perfect, but the fishing started off slowly. Patience eventually paid off as several Littles reeled in their first trout, which included a couple of monsters exceeding 18 inches! We used these occasions to instruct participants on how to both safely release fish and humanely dispatch them.
And how did these activities go over with the participants?
"I loved fishing - it was my first time. We learned how to use a spinning rod, how to cast, and even got our own tackle box and rod to keep! I can't wait to go fishing again!” said one Little.
Yet the lessons did not end with fish catching and handling. Those who were interested in learning how to clean fish were provided with a demonstration along with simple instructions for preparing and cooking their bounty. While cleaning the fish, Service staff provided a lesson on fish anatomy and physiology. The Littles were captivated as they explored the size, form, and function of the organs such as the liver, spleen, swim bladder, kidneys, gills, and heart.
"I learned a lot - especially patience. We also learned how to identify fish and even how to prepare the fish we caught for a meal! While we waited for the fish to see our bait, we got to sit by the lake and look at the water. It was a great day," said another Little.
A Little named William was equally enthused. "I was quite lucky to attend with my Big Brother. And then I was lucky enough to catch a fish on my very first time fishing," he said. He went on to say, "I caught this strong old fish that had likely evaded being caught, for years perhaps, and I got to eat him for dinner.” When asked if the recipe provided at the training was good, he said, "It was delicious.”
It was all smiles at the end of the clinic. Both the Bigs and Littles went home with the equipment, knowledge, and experience to confidently continue the sport together. As backup, all participants were provided with a resource booklet listing other local fishing lakes as well as images, descriptions, and instructions highlighting gear used and skills learned.
And while some did not land fish, good times were had by all, and future fishing trips are in the works thanks to the Bigs, who also received the skills training.
“My Little and I both enjoyed the fishing outing because it was outside and she had never been fishing before. Since she received a rod, we will definitely go fishing again. I want to help her catch her first fish!” said one of the Bigs.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service team put on an incredible event for our Bigs and Littles,” said Ashley Otheim, Director of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington. They had stations for the kids to learn how to cast, how to tie knots and gave great instruction on the basics of fishing. The fact that each of our Littles went home with a new fishing rod AND tackle box is incredible. I know the Bigs and Littles that attended benefited greatly from the event, had a TON of fun, and will continue their fishing journeys together. Thanks to everyone involved for creating such a fun day outside for our matches!”
It was our pleasure to foster these youth and to promote lifelong skills, memories, connections with nature, and future fish feasts!
