Depending on the need, the FAF in conjunction with the NPAA has provided t-shirts, rod and reel combos, tackle boxes with basic terminal tackle included, artificial bait or other items. “Even if we don’t have a rod and reel for every single kid in attendance, if we have some raffle tickets that everyone gets a chance and we draw 10 winners, it works,” continued Blosser.
Field days bring outdoor experiences to the students – or in some cases, the students to the outdoor experiences. “We are so grateful for the help from local anglers who share information about the fish, the habitat and how to catch fish,” continued Mueller.
The professional anglers are a big part of education and outreach. “Quite often we get a chance to talk to the whole family at tournament clinics, and that’s when we know there is an opportunity for fishing to become important to the entire family,” concluded Blosser. “That’s why what FAF is doing is so important to bridge the gap from passionate angler to new angler.”
