"Take a kid fishing" programs

So my wife has been bugging me to consider doing more volunteer work.  In preparation for my 2007 New Year's resolutions, I thought I'd look into it.   The trick of course is to find something I actually like doing.  Given that I'd much rather go fishing than say... serving food at a soup kitchen..  I thought I'd check out "take a kid fishing" programs.  So far the only one I've run across is the "Fishing in the city" program run by the DFG.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/oceo/fishcity/

Does anyone have any firsthand knowledge of this program?  Looks like I have the choice of volunteering for an already established program [probably pretty easy] or creating a new program in a city without one [more of a commitment].   I think I'm going to at least try and volunteer for an established event (Lake Ralphine, Santa Rosa, April 1, 2007,  see http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/default.aspx?PageId=2605) and go from there.

Another option would be to team up with local boy scouts (or girl scouts).  However, certain long standing policies of the Boy Scouts of America have turned me off to them. In fact, I've seriously considered giving them back my eagle badge.

Anyway, if anyone else is interested or already participating in such events please let me know.  Maybe we can eventually figure out a way to incorporate kayak fishing into a "take a kid fishing" program.

Brian

Didn't volunteer but I've taken my daughter and nephew to an event at the Campbell Perc ponds.  The vibe is pretty cool, kids enjoyed the giveaways but there wasn't alot of fish to be caught (I think they stocked the day before and fish weren't completely acclimated........or we just suck at fishing) I believe most of the people that take their kids pretty much know what they're doing so the volunteer work is centered on distributing bags of free samples and organizing raffle items.  I'm sure with your experience and background you'd be able to set up a good kid's "Fish Talk" booth/exhibit.

I've also made the mistake of accidentally fishing the same day that Cunningham park did their free fishing day.  They stocked catfish and were loaning poles and bait to people without gear.  Fishing was good as evidenced by the large number of dead cats people just tossed in the parking lot bushes.  We revived a few but the event seemed like a waste.   

two words when it comes to fishing with kids  = "BARBLESS HOOKS" 

I volunteered for the fishing the city program several years ago at Lake Ralphine.  It was an awesome experience and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

Basically they run the kids through stations where they learn about fishing ethics and regulations, techniques, how to tie hooks and rig things up, then they give the kids a rod to use and a little box of hooks, bobbers, weights etc. that they get to keep.  They also had commitments from one or two tackle shops that kids who went through the program could borrow a rod and reel from the shop any time they wanted to go fishing.

I was stationed at the hook tying station as well as the fish cleaning station. 

Most of the kids that came had no clue what they were doing and most either lived with a divorced parent or with parents that just didn't have the experience to get them started with fishing.  Not only did the kids learn the basics, but the parents did too, which enabled them to repeat the experience on their own in the future. 

There was one little red headed kid that I'll never forget.

 He was very uncoordinated and obviously had very low self-esteem... head hanging low and all that stuff.  It took forever to get him to tie his own hook sucessfully, which he finally did and you could tell he was very proud of that.  A little while later, after all the kids had been fishing for a while, this kid comes trotting back from the dam with the biggest trout of the day... head held high, grinning from ear to ear, his feet hardly hit the concrete the whole way back he was so excited.  He seemed like a completely different boy.  He wanted that fish for dinner and I showed him how to clean it, put it in a bag, and sent it with him and his mom.  That was one of the most special fishing moments I've ever experienced.  There's just something magical that happens when a kid catches his first fish that can't be described in words except to say that it is awesome. 

Good program... I had almost forgotten about it may have to sign up for it again sometime.

Erik

Thanks Erik,

The program sounds a whole lot better than I imagined.  Too bad they only do this once a year.  Although, I think I saw a kids fishing tournament listed as well.  Anyway, I think I'll be signing up and maybe I'll see you there in April.

Brian

Yeah... volunteering at the perk ponds is probably not that fulfilling. I've been taking my son there the past few years and it's a slug fest. Tons of people, tons of tangled lines and tons of headaches. Mostly catching not really fishing... but, Jr has a blast. So, we do it every year. We released most of the fish we caught... except for the first one of course. Always got to keep the first one...

He was very uncoordinated and obviously had very low self-esteem... head hanging low and all that stuff.  It took forever to get him to tie his own hook sucessfully, which he finally did and you could tell he was very proud of that.

Just curious...was his name Joel?

Seriously...sounds like a great day.  I have done a few steelhead in the classroom deals where the kids hatch eggs, rear them in a tank, and then let them go...also very gratifying.

good one Sean 

Sorry man...I've been waiting for revenge since the "Diesel" incident.  You know I love ya!