(Posted 5/28/09)

FUTURE ANGLERS OUTREACH CONTINUES SUCCESS
NYSOWA/BPS Pass It On Award Winners Play Major Roles

    While some people might be content to rest on their laurels, that has certainly not been the case for NYSOWA’s winners of the Pass It On Award, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.  Each year Bass Pro Shops honors the writer who has been selected as doing the most to pass on our outdoor heritage. Previous winners Al Benas, Paul Schnell, and Ted Dobs continue to work hard at involving youngsters in skills and appreciation of the outdoors world.
    Imagine over 70 youngsters with little or no fishing skill and experience, accompanied by parents who have no background in fishing, and turning them loose for a morning of fishing. While some might see a potential for chaos or havoc, others see this as an opportunity to hopefully introduce a life-long sport.
    Thanks to Ted Dobs and the dozens of volunteers who lined the waterways of Marion Manor, the occasion was a giant step towards the latter. The Future Anglers Outreach program held Saturday, April 25 was a huge success thanks to local sponsors and volunteers.
    Future Anglers Outreach is not a derby or contest, rather it is a clinic designed for kids and parents with little or no fishing experience. Each child registered receives a free rod and reel and along with the family receives basic instruction from the volunteers present. The kids then have the opportunity to practice and learn by actually fishing. Of course refreshments, prizes, informative literature, supplies, and a visit by a DEC ECO are all part of the experience.
    Future Anglers Outreach originated as a project started by Ted Dobs of Oneida Charters, and member of NYSOWA, working with the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame to reach kids interested in fishing and get them started on the right track. Last year the program hosted 35 kids and their famly members and was recognized by Bass Pro Shops with its “Pass It On” Award for New York State.
    This year word of the success of the program and Capt. Ted’s recruiting had 50 youngsters signed up. As numbers applying continued to grow, some of the sponsors or those had contributed in the past were no longer able to help. Needless to say there was concern for this year’s event.
    But local sportsmen stepped into the breech to not only save the program but to make it bigger and better. Capt. Matt White made sure that Pirate Charters and Hanifin Tires were major sponsors as well as hands-on volunteers. Dave Alberico and Marion Manor provided sponsorship as well as a spacious, suitable facility for the larger number. Many members of the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Assoc. were on hand to assist youngsters or help in any way needed.    The more than 70 young anglers spread out and with some assistance and encouragement; they eagerly tried out their new tackle. Catches ranged from tiny sunfish to large bass and bullheads but the important thing was that all the mistakes, snags, and snarls were handled without kids getting frustrated.
    Hopefully a majority, if not all, of these boys and girls will continue to experience fishing, and all the fun it brings along with an appreciation of the outdoors world. At least they have a head start by having been equipped with proper tackle and given some basic instruction rather than becoming initially frustrated and discouraged. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.