Great Lakes Regional Instructor Training Sept. 27 & 28 – Kalamazoo, MI

Don’t Miss This Training.  Michigan State University’s Project F.I.S.H. Program has partnered with Future Fisherman Foundation to bring 2 exciting days (9:00am-4:30pm each day) of:

“Sportfishing and Aquatic Resources Education and

an Introduction to HOFNOD,  Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” 

Coordinated through Michigan State University’s Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, this workshop is a partnership with MSU Extension-Kalamazoo County, MSU 4-H Youth Development, Department of Natural Resources, The Bass Federation and the Future Fisherman Foundation, and many others to educate young people about our natural resources through FISHING.

This workshop will be based on the Project FISH philosophy of hands on, multiple-contact sportfishing and aquatic resource education. We will offer activities in Aquatic Ecology, Tackle Crafting, People and Fish Management and actual Angling Skills. Participants will leave with curriculum activities, equipment, even a fishing rod & reel, and access to supplies and resources to begin a successful fishing program/club with children in the classroom or in an after school setting. The workshop is partially funded through a grant from The Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation to the Future Fisherman Foundation, The Bass Federation (TBF) and donors to Project F.I.S.H.

*The workshop is $55.00, to be paid prior to the workshop*

*  The Future Fisherman Foundation will offer a $75.00 post workshop stipend for participants within 60 miles of the workshop ($450.00 max per organization), and will offer  a $150.00 post workshop stipend to cover the workshop and travel expenses to those participants travelling more than 60 miles. ($450.00 max per organization) Lunch will be provided each day.

Contact:  Mark Stephens at 517-432-2700, steph143@msu.edu or Mark Gintert, 580-716-4251  Early registration insures participation, space is limited.

Registration available at http://www.projectfish.org/fishinginstructortraining.pdf                                

Registration deadline:  September 20th,   2011

 

Project FISH and The Future Fisherman Foundation offers

 Fishing Instructor training

There is a lot to be learned in a couple of days of training. Project FISH and The Future Fisherman Foundation will be in Kalamazoo MI, September 27th and 28th , 2011, to educate interested teachers and volunteers, extension and 4-H educators and associates, on how to start fishing programs and the importance of using our aquatic resources for recreation. Each day will have the same theme “Let’s partner to get kids fishing and caring for our aquatic resources.”

Project F.I.S.H., leading the instruction, is a mentor-based, community-supported program that will involve many partners including 4-H, schools, sportfishing organizations and mentoring groups within the community. Project F.I.S.H. is a Michigan State University Extension, 4-H Youth Development program housed in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies in cooperation with the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and many partners state and national partners.

Established in 1986, the Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) unites the sportfishing industry and a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups, youth organizations and other educators dedicated to introducing America’s youth to angling, conservation and the outdoors lifestyle. The Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) operates under The Bass Federation (TBF) umbrella of companies and is the official education arm of TBF.  Together our goal in communities is to educate interested teachers and volunteers with our very exciting and hands-on activities and lessons and leave them with the materials and resources to get kids excited about fishing. Here are the main components of this fishy experience!

Great Lakes Aquatic Ecology: Learn about the things that make our aquatic ecosystems tick by using some very interesting activities involving our Great Lakes watersheds, invertebrates and neat sampling experiments designed to get you INVOLVED. Additional resources and contacts will be given to teachers for follow-up and continued support. Special emphasis will be on working in the watersheds to get kids interested in service projects in their community

People and Fish of the Great Lakes: “How many fish are in that pond and what effect do I have on them?” These are the types of questions that will come up in this fish management and ethics session. What is the difference between an ethic and a regulation? You’ll learn this as well as come up with your own code of ethics. You may learn more about a person by exploring his/her tackle box. Find out about Great Lakes issues and human involvement, like commercial vs. sportfishing, allocation and game laws. You may even say “hmm” a few times. Grab a fish, put it on your shirt, permanently!

Tackle Crafting: This session will get you making the equipment you can use to catch fish. You will use what you learned in aquatic ecology to reproduce an artificial tool for your attempt at catching fish. Fly tying, jig making, snelling hooks and creating worm/crawler harnesses are only a few ingredients of this part of this workshop. Each participant will be given the materials for making harnesses and the knowledge to make these and other look-alikes. In addition, resources for expertise and partners will be given to all participants. This class is a lot of fun.

Angling Skills: This class is the bread and butter. How do I use this fishing rod? Pop can casting and basic skills will lead to proficiency with a variety of rod and reel types. Learn how to catch bass in your backyard and receive the game to teach you and your youth. You will also find the sources of materials to get kids actively involved with fishing, and they can do it in their own backyard. Take home a fishing rod for inspiration and a learning/teaching tool.

During your training, you will be introduced to a variety of individuals and organizations in your area to call on for assistance and expertise. Don’t miss this chance to become involved in introducing this education style to your community. Our common theme will be IT’S FOR THE KIDS!

Contact Mark Stephens for directions and any other information at 517-432-2700.