Alabama 4-H Sportfishing Leader Training

Training for volunteers interested in being a part of the Alabama 4-H Sportfishing program is held on a need basis.  If you are interested in helping with the Alabama 4-H Sportfishing program, contact: Emily B. Kling Extension Specialist 4-H Natural Resources Alabama Cooperative Extension System 210 Duncan Hall Auburn University, AL 36849-5620 PH: (334) 844-2226 FX: (334) 844-2252 klingeb@auburn.edu Doug Darr Aquatic Education Coordinator Fisheries Section Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division 64 North Union Street Montgomery, AL  36130-1458 PH: (334) 242-3884 FX: (334) 242-2061 doug.darr@dcnr.alabama.gov

Alabama's first open 4-H Sportfishing Leader Training was held March 11-13, 2005 on the Auburn University campus. Training this fall and spring will be one and a half day training during a Friday night-Saturday:
October 14-15, 2005 at Lake Point State Park, Eufaula, Barbour County
April 28-29, 2006 at Sharon Johnson Park, Huntsville, Madison County
May 12-13, 2006 at Lake Lurleen State Park, Northport, Tuscaloosa County

People who have an interest in natural resources programs in general and/or fishing are asked to contact their county agent.  The main prerequisites are that they like working with children and are interested in helping youth to learn good stewardship values. We will teach the leaders how to teach the 4-Hers. It's an activity for everyone--girls, boys, young, old, city folks, and country folks. Participation in 4-H Sportfishing is not limited by skill or physical abilities. The program is open to youth ages 9 to 19. Younger kids can participate if a parent is with them.

After learning about fishing and field safety, participants get to practice angling skills and learn more about tackle crafting, people and fish, and aquatic ecology. Along the way, they'll discover the answers to such questions as "Which lure should I use when?" or "Where's the best place in the lake to catch bass? Or bluegill? Or any other kind of fish?"

What can 4-H Sportfishing do for young people and their families? The goals for the program are:

• Practice and develop the life skills of decision making, communicating, leading self and others, planning and organizing, and learning to learn
• Expose participants to the broad array of lifelong activities related to sportfishing
• Strengthen families through lifelong recreational activities
• Understand a variety of fish species
• Use a variety of sportfishing equipment
• Make and repair fishing tackle
• Understand the ecological and social basics of fisheries management
• Fish responsibly
• Develop caring relationships as well as life-long appreciation for sportfishing.

If you are interested in 4-H Sportfishing for your child, contact your County Extension Office. If there is no 4-H Sportfishing club in your community, you and/or other interested parents should consider attending the 4-H Sportfishing Leader Training.

This is a "hands on" workshop. The cost is only $10 per person. Travel arrangements will be reimbursed up to $60.  Participants will obtain all the information and lesson plans they need to conduct a local 4-H Sportfishing club. Each County Extension office has registration information.  Come join the Fun!

Sponsored by
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
Auburn University Department of Fisheries & Allied Aquacultures
See the News Release!
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1. REGISTRATION
2. LODGING OPTIONS: Participants are responsible for their own lodging.
3. EQUIPMENT: All equipment and teaching materials will be furnished. However, participants may bring their own rods, reels, and tackle boxes if they want. We will be outdoors, so everyone should bring outdoor clothing and rain gear.

AGENDA*************************************************************************
4-H Sportfishing Leader Training
**Will be published later.**

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For more information about Sportfishing or registration, contact
Lynda Montgomery at montgly@auburn.edu,
(334) 844-2232 or FAX (334) 844-2252.
Or for specific content information, contact
Emily B. Kling
Extension Specialist, 4-H Natural Resources
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
210 Duncan Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5620
PH: (334) 844-2226
FX: (334) 844-2252
klingeb@auburn.edu