“Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime”
While this analogy can be applied to many areas, for anglers and our fishing heritage this represents a tradition that is ageless. Fathers and grandfathers have passed on their knowledge through the generations whether as a means to support their families or simply for recreation and that continues today.
With the challenges of ‘indoor’ activities and social networking combined with overworked adults and environmental concerns there is the potential for this great outdoor experience to be lost in the future.
B.A.S.S. recognized long ago the importance of developing a grassroots organization that encourages the education and training of youth to the sport of fishing as well as conservation. In fact, B.A.S.S. Clubs across North America are expected to have Youth and Conservation programs that help ensure that our heritage is maintained and the OBN has followed suit.
Programs like Casting Kids, where children are taught the basics of casting with different methods and equipment, as well as Junior Bassmasters, which allow budding anglers under the age of 18 to be mentored and to compete, attempt to bring ‘reality’ back to their lives. Learning to have fun and interact once again in the outdoors comes naturally to a child but only if it’s a hands-on experience. With overworked adults and environmental concerns there is the potential for this great outdoor experience to be lost in the future.
You’ve seen it…now you want to try it!
With the abundance of water found throughout Ontario it would seem that opportunities to fish should be abundant. The experience can be as simple as going out with friends and/or family to a river or lake and fish by land or by boat.
If you know what you are doing!!!
Youth Director
Anthony Dube
youth@ontariobass.com