BY KEITH WILSON
There’s one school in our valley different from any other. Reel Kids – School of Trout is an initiative from 5B Anglers to help kids appreciate the environment through fly-fishing. Reel Kids provides a greater understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the importance of conservation, all while learning a fun pastime.
Reel Kids offers an enriching curriculum. Meant for kids ages 9 to 13, the program includes basic fly-fishing techniques, aquatic entomology, fish anatomy, water safety, fly-tying, and knot-tying. Its students learn to respect wildlife habitats and practice catch-and-release fishing to ensure the health of fish populations for generations to come.
The instructors, with backgrounds in education and a love for the outdoors, inspire young minds to explore, discover, and protect the natural world. 5B Anglers also collaborates with schools and other organizations to promote the program and recruit participants. Local and national organizations, as well as individual donors, have shown their support for the program, helping to make it a success.
Parents or guardians can support their child's participation in the program by encouraging their interest in fishing, volunteering as chaperones or assistants, and providing transportation to program activities.
5B Anglers strives to ensure that all children, regardless of background, can participate in the program by offering scholarships or financial assistance, providing all necessary equipment and gear, and partnering with community organizations to reach underserved populations.
Interested families or individuals can learn more by visiting the 5B Anglers website at https://www.5banglers.org/. Applications will be accepted from April 15 to May 15, and spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
DID YOU KNOW?
5B Anglers has several events lined up this summer:
Entomology 101 with Brian Richter from 6-8 p.m. May 2 at the Community Campus Bullion Room.
Gannett Road and Kilpatrick Bridge Road Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon May 19.
Drake Dig with Andrew Thomas during Silver Creek Opening Day Festivities from 5 to 8 p.m. May 24.