At its quarterly business meeting today, the Fish and Boat Commission previewed a mentored youth pilot program it will launch next spring on the Saturday preceding the southeast regional opening day of trout season.

It’s a program agency leaders believe will generate excitement with kids and their parents, ultimately drawing more participants to the sport and increasing license sales.

“We know from research that children who fish typically learn from their parents or other family members,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “Research also shows that the positive experience from a mentoring program creates a big influence on kids and their adult mentors, making it more likely that they will continue in the sport.”

Under the program, kids under the age of 16 would register for the program and join a mentor angler, who must have a current fishing license and trout permit. They would then be able to fish on the Saturday before the southeast opener on select waters within the 18-county area.

The waters will be stocked to ensure a plentiful supply of fish to catch for the youth day and the regular season to follow. Each person will be allowed to keep a combined species total of two fish.  

“Mentoring opportunities differ from educational programs in that they go beyond one instructional period,” said Laurel Anders, PFBC Director of Boating and Outreach. “Mentors talk to the kids as they plan the trip, show them how to fish during the day, and follow up with them again when they day is over. Special youth opportunities engage both youth and their parents or other mentors.”

The waters for the pilot program are still being reviewed. The list of waters and additional information – including details on how to register – are expected to be finalized by early January.

The regional trout season for southeastern counties was introduced in 2007 and opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 30. The 18 counties include: Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York.

10/8/2012