Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration brings fishing to DC youth

Today’s blog was written by Richard Zane from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. Richard came from a small farming town in VA who graduated with a B.S. from Virginia Tech and a M.S. from James Madison University. He has worked as a high school teacher, and a wildlife biologist conducting disease research, recovering endangered species, managing a National Wildlife Refuge and now managing Aquatic and Hunter Education grants for the USFWS.

On May 14th the Washington D.C.’s Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) held their annual Family & Youth Casting Call at Fletcher’s Cove on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.  This kids fishing day had 295 kids participate along with 277 adults.  It was a gorgeous day, a break from all the rain that has hit the city over the past few weeks.  At the event there were 15 educational stations from fish printing to fly casting along with a great fishing opportunity along the canal with free bait and fishing rod use.

The DOEE Aquatic Education program is funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Act, which collects excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels.  Currently DOEE is receiving over a half of a million dollars a year to support their aquatic education program.  Their programs are linked with local schools to meet the education standards for DC along with special events like this for the community.

Morgan and Ryan were so excited to come to this event. They even bought special fishing poles for just the occasion, which actually help fund the event through the Sport Fish and Restoration Act. Just add worms and they are ready to fish.

Lucas enjoyed a day catching fish with his dad.

This youngster loved fishing as long as the volunteer took the fish off the hook for her. She was so excited she pulled out her phone.

Little girl fishing with family and a Veteran that volunteered his time to help teach people fish.