HARRISBURG, Pa. –The 2014 Mentored Youth Fishing Days are approaching, so youth anglers and their mentors are gearing up to fish on 41 waters across the state.
“In 2014, we are providing two Mentored Youth Fishing Days,” said Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director John Arway. “These days provide adult anglers from across the state with a special day to fish with the children in their lives in advance of the regional and traditional opening days of trout season.”
Annual event. For the 2014 fishing season, the first Mentored Youth Fishing Day will be held on 12 waters March 22, the Saturday before the regional opening day of trout season in 18 south-central and southeast counties.
The second Mentored Youth Fishing Day will be held on 29 waters April 5, the Saturday before the traditional opening day of trout season.
To help anglers get ready for their Mentored Youth Fishing Day experience, the PFBC is holding “Gear Up for Mentored Youth Fishing Day” programs on two evenings in March.
“These programs will provide an opportunity to learn new skills or knock the rust off old ones,” said Carl Richardson, PFBC Education Manager. “Instruction will focus on mentored youth day fishing opportunities, trout fishing equipment, techniques and strategies. At the end of the program, Commission staff and volunteers will be available to check the equipment and tackle of registered participants — to make sure they and their gear are ready.”
Trout management
Young anglers and their mentors are encouraged to attend together. In addition to the instruction, participants will receive PFBC resources on trout, trout management, and trout fishing.
The first Gear Up program will take place from 6 – 8:30 p.m. March 12, at the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resource Center. The center is located at 670 Old Harrisburg Road in Gettysburg.
The second Gear Up program will be in Allegheny County from 6:30 – 9 p.m. March 18, at Allegheny County Parks’ North Park. The program is at the Rose Barn on Pearce Mill Road. North Park Lake is one of the April 5 Mentored Youth Fishing Day waters.
Free programs
Both programs are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required since space is limited. Registration for the Adams County Gear Up will close March 10, and the deadline for the Allegheny County program is March 15.
For more information on Mentored Youth Fishing Days or any of the PFBC’s education programs, visit www.gonefishingpa.com .
