Conservation Corner: May 6, 2002

Mothers' Help Bring Fishing to New Generation of Anglers
by James L. Cummins

A message to mothers and daughters out there - fishing isn't just for the guys anymore. In increasing numbers, mothers are realizing that fishing is great fun not only for themselves, but for the family as well. In celebration of Mother's Day, we would like to recognize those moms that are raising the new generation of anglers.

Statistics show that only about a third of all anglers are women. However, the perception that fishing is a male-dominated sport appears to be changing. Roughly 13 million women now fish, a five percent increase from last year according to the National Sporting Goods Association.

What has kept many people involved with fishing is at the core of what has made fishing among the most popular outdoor sports for decades. The benefits of fishing are found not just in the thrill of the catch (and more often than not, the release), but also in the time spent together on the water with friends and family.

As the demands of daily life increase, many families find it difficult to keep in touch. The problem is exacerbated by an increasing number of working parents or single-parent households. For the exhausted, over-burdened family, the easiest recreational "activities" are often going to the movies or plopping down in front of the television. Unfortunately, these sources are not often the most appropriate influences for young people.

Fishing is a way to help bring families together while teaching valuable life lessons to our Nation's kids. Fishing gives us the opportunity for a tremendous shared experience. Talking about the importance of respecting nature and each other just comes naturally when we're out there by the water.

The Hooked on Fishing - Not of Drugs curriculum is an excellent source of material. The award-winning curriculum is developed and administered by the non-profit Future Fisherman Foundation, the recruitment and education arm of the American Sportfishing Association. The program provides all the basics of how and where to go fishing. In addition, while they're having fun and developing a lifelong activity, kids going through the program learn self-confidence and the importance of treating the environment, other people and themselves with respect. For more information on the Future Fisherman Foundation or the Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs program, visit them on the web at www.asafishing.org.

This mother's day, stroll down to a creek, river, pond or lake and have some fun, share some stories and maybe catch a few fish.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.