Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
– Chinese proverb
With over 2,000 lakes and ponds and nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, opportunities to fish are abundant in Maine. Be it stripers running up the coast, salmon swimming downstream, or trout at the bottom of a brook, fishing in Maine is everywhere. And while some Mainers enjoy fishing year round, most everyone enjoys casting a line in the warm weather.
Depending on your point of view, fishing in Maine can be a profession, favorite pastime, or hobby. Either way, it is a skill that is passed on from generation to generation, which is exactly what Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs intends to do.
Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs is an educational tool for youths in Maine and across America. Sponsored by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the program works with sporting clubs, optomist clubs, and other organizations to coordinate “Learn to Fish” events throughout the state. Encouraging good decision making and family togetherness is the ultimate goal, with teaching youths the art of fishing as a secondary success.
The concept of Hooked On Fishing - Not on Drugs came about in 1986 when a teenager from Florida wrote to the Future Fishermen Foundation explaining how he chose to go fishing to think through his problems rather than turning to drugs. Since then, through the help of the Department of Justice, Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, and the Future Fisherman Foundation, the concept has expanded to over 1000 programs in 30 states. The key components of fishing skills, fishing knowledge, and life skills development make the program successful; the end result keeps kids out of trouble.
In Maine, the Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs program is used by over one hundred trained volunteer instructors, including teachers, Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders, parents, sporting clubs and law enforcement officers. The program runs year round, and has teamed with youth fishing derbies, "Learn to Fish" days, and family events. The events are fun for all ages and teach youths to act responsibly in Maine's natural resources.
In 1997, the 118th Maine Legislature passed a law stating that the program be established in the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to encourage youth fishing activities in the State of Maine. The legislation allocated funds for the program and allows donations to be accepted for activities associated with youth education. Since then, Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs has been giving kids the opportunity to fish, be with friends and family, and most importantly learn to stay safe and sober.
So get your kid hooked on fishing today! It may just be the right “angle” for a healthy life.
For more information on the Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs program or to find a sponsored event near you, please visit: www.maine.gov/ifw/education/hofnod or contact Emily Jones, Activities Coordinator, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife at (207) 287-8069.
