MODEL PROGRAM

Title of Presentation:  Long-Term Community Based Sportfishing Programs

Panel Discussion

Presenters: Phil Genova, author First Cast- Teaching Kids to Fly Fish and First Cast Fly Fishing Education Curriculum

Shahab Farzanegan, Program Manager, Community Fly Fisher, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY

Jon Lyman, Education Program Manager, Alaska Fish and Game

Jim Hatchell, Director, Greenstreams

Trout Unlimited, Representative TBA

A/V Needs: standard: overhead projector, slide projector

Abstract:  Research shows that lifetime participation in sportfishing is decided at a fairly early age. The factors that influence a young person's decision to take up fishing as a lifetime activity must include five consistent elements:

* Threshold Experience

* Mentor

* Proper Equipment

* Places to Fish

* Social Support

The panel and audience will discuss how to include these elements in a community program and partner with agencies, sport/recreation groups, the fishing industry and schools.