Fishing for the Future
by:posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Day of Fishing with the Spalding House Boys & Girls Club
For the second year in a row, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group (PIFG) sponsored a “Day of Fishing” with the “Spalding House” Boys & Girls Club. This annual event brings together fishermen and children for a day of fun, learning and fishing. Ronald Chang, Branch President of the B&G Club joined the thirty kids this year stating that “It’s (Day of Fishing) a great program for our kids to have hands on fishing experience. The Boys and Girls club is very appreciative of this partnership with PIFG.” The B&G Club Waterman’s Program teaches kids all about water safety, surfing, canoe paddling, kayaking, but until last year, did not include fishing! A Waterman’s Program in Hawaii without fishing is incomplete.
Through the B&G Club and PIFG partnership, kids are now able to learn about safe and responsible fishing in addition to experiencing hands-on fishing. Thanks to the Division of Aquatic Resources, PIFG is able to host the day of fishing for 30 kids from the B& G club along with their chaperones. PIFG members and volunteers assured the day was a success.
The morning began with mini workshops on fishing safety, knot tying, fishing gear demonstration, fishing regulations and proper fish handling and measuring techniques. On display was an assortment of gear ranging from diving gear, throw netting, spin casting and even ulua slide-bait rigs. The kids really jumped in to test their skills with the throw net.
After a short lunch break, everyone headed toward the water for spin casting lessons and tilapia fishing. Everyone received a bamboo pole and tackle box filled with assorted fishing tackle and related materials. For many kids it was their very first fishing experience. Just about all kids caught a tilapia or at least have fish story about how the big one got away. Two boys got really lucky and landed a couple of catfish. Because this was a special event all catfish caught were released which was easy since everyone was using barbless hooks. It was fantastic to see the excitement and smiles on everyone’s face!
“The day brought back great childhood memories of growing up fishing” noted Kendall Wong, PIFG member. The next time you have a chance, take a child fishing, it can be a very rewarding experience.
A Big Mahalo to the Boys & Girls club, their chaperones, DLNR and the PIFG volunteers for sharing a terrific day of fun and fishing.
