Saturday, August 26, 2006
Grant Smith, 10, of Portsmouth, pulls in on his line off the pier at Great Island Common in New Castle on the last day of Striper Kids, a fishing program organized by The Meat House and the Seacoast YMCA. Photo by Jamie Cohen
PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire -- More than a dozen children between the ages of 8 and 12 have spent part of their summer learning how to fish for striped bass along the New Hampshire seacoast.
The Seacoast YMCA is the sponsor of the Striper Kids program, a day camp organized by The Meat House and Kittery Trading Post.
As part of the program, young anglers are taught a variety of fishing skills such as how to cast, tie knots and release fish unharmed after they are caught.
"We are very excited to offer children the opportunity to learn how to fish for striped bass," said the Seacoast YMCA's marketing director, Ashley Follis. "Striped bass fishing is a huge pastime in New England and this program has become very popular."
The pilot program, which is supported by volunteer fishing guides, was designed to introduce the sport of striped bass fishing to children as an enjoyable and healthy alternative to video and computer games.
As part of the program, campers receive a barbecue lunch from The Meat House every Monday, an embroidered polo shirt and special discounts to the Kittery Trading Post.
Additionally, an end-of-the-season award ceremony is being planned to honor Striper Kids in various categories that include longest cast, most improved fisherman, and biggest and smallest fish caught.
For more information on the Striper Kids program visit www.seacoastymca.org.
|
