With the dawning of a New Year,
there’s one resolution that every Pennsylvania angler should make: a
promise to pass on the fishing tradition.
You likely remember your very first fishing trip and who took you.
And odds are pretty good that it was that experience that's directly
responsible for why you're still fishing today. You can do your part in
giving another a great start by visiting the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission’s web site at
www.fishandboat.com and connecting with the
Anglers’ Legacy Pledge. The
Anglers' Legacy Pledge is simply a vow to give back what you've been
given by introducing somebody new to the activity that you love. There's
no membership fee and no obligation. You're just making a promise to do
your part to share your fishing knowledge and expertise with someone
new.
The Anglers’ Legacy program is a project of the Recreational Boating
and Fishing Foundation. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
(RBFF) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase
participation in recreational angling and boating and, thereby, increase
public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving
and restoring this nation's aquatic natural resources. The Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission has embraced RBFF as a partner as the
Foundation’s mission closely mirrors the agency’s own ideals –
particularly as it relates to engaging youth. Statistics from the
National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Recreation show that in
1980, 26% of Pennsylvania youngsters aged 6-15 fished. In 1995, that
number climbed to 41%, but dropped to 35% in 2000.
While on the Commission web site, also check out the “Fishing
Fundamentals” section. There you can find tips on basic fishing
skills and equipment and places to fish close to home that are perfect
to share with beginners.