Here’s Another Chance at the Ones That Got Away
By JOHN STREIT
By John Streit
Correspondent
One of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s most popular offerings will have area youth baiting their hooks and casting their lines for the second time this year.
The Free Family Fishing Clinic’s fall edition returns to Munden Point Park on Oct. 4.
The half-day of angling, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m., introduces children 5 through 14 to freshwater fishing.
With volunteers and equipment provided by Region 7 of the Virginia Bass Federation, an organization of area angling clubs, children will learn how to cast lines, bait hooks and safely remove fish from hooks. A free hot dog lunch and a prize giveaway will follow .
Region 7 volunteers will patrol the shoreline, to lend fishing advice and instruction .
The clinic’s goal is to spark a lifelong passion for the sport, according to Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation outdoor programmer Katie Whanger .
“It’s such a rewarding event,” Whanger said. “With all of the water in our community, if kids start at an early age, it can become a lifetime hobby.”
Fishing is an ideal outlet for youngsters, said Susan Owens, Region 7 youth director. “You don’t hear of a lot of the competitive pro fishermen entangled in drugs or crime,” she said .
“It’s a great family sport and it’s something that all people can enjoy .”
A once-per-year event created 12 years ago by Parks and Recreation and Region 7′s partnership, participation numbers have jumped in recent years.
“We’ve found that most kids want to participate in this event again after their first time,” Owens said. “We usually see a return crowd of more than 50 percent between clinics.”
The overwhelming public demand gave rise to this year’s fall session.
The city has a cap of 150 participants per clinic to ensure all youth anglers receive adequate gear and assistance.
They usually fill up about two or three weeks after registration opens.
Registration for this clinic opened Saturday . Whanger said those interested should secure their spots as soon as possible.
John Streit, 639-4805, vb.beaconsports@yahoo.com
going?
Where Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s Free Family Fishing Clinic
When 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 4
Where Munden Point Park, 2001 Pelfey Lane
Cost Free to the public, for children 5-14 (no recreation center card needed)
Info Limited to first 150 pre-registered participants. Sign up in person at any Virginia Beach community recreation center. Or, visit online at ezreg.vbgov.com , click the “Courses Camps & Programs Browse & Register” link and enter “85312.” For more info, contact Katie Whanger at 385-0426 or kwhanger@vbgov.com
Originally published by BY JOHN STREIT.
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