Well, a PM I just got reminded me it is a new year and summer will be here sooner then we expect. I will again for the 5th year will be collecting fishing gear to give to two programs this year. Big Brother/Big Sisters and Cops and Bobbers. They take kids fishing during the summer and because of funding these groups have a hard time providing the needed items for the kids to be able to not only get to fish but to go home with the tackle they get to use. Last year I met my goal of helping close to 400 kids with getting the chance to not only have tackle for the event they were fishing but to go home with tackle so they can continue with the fishing skills they learned on the outting. But none of that would have been possible without the help of my friends and family here. There was only so much I could do as far as money from my pocket and you all helped with the donations that you all gave. So here I am with my yearly pitch for help. Needed is new and slightly used kids fishing poles, tackle boxes, tackle of all kinds - hooks, bobbers, sinkers, and small lures. Now is the time that places like walmart and the such have alot of the fishing stuff on clearence to get ready for the new stuff. The goal is to make sure the kids at the least go home with a filled goodie bag with tackle and the such. Money/gift cards can be sent as well for the purchase of needed items if you don't feel like shopping for the items your self.

Again, thanks to everyone who has helped in the past and I hope we can get the kids started out right again this year.

If you can help in anyway, please send me a PM and I'll be sure to get back to ya.

Thanks all

TTT

This is a great little program that MG helps with. So all you newbies kick in a little if you can and make this the best year ever for some KIDS.

Once again your efforts will be supported by myself and others here on the board.  So many children benefit from the experience as well as the adults helping out. You get an "attagirl" from me.

JustDave

That's my girl...time to roll up the sleeves for those less fortunate.  This year I have taken on the responsibility of the merit badge counciler for fishing, in my scout troup.  So, for those of you that are wondering how lagit this request is, trust me, it is the very best!

LM since 2005 Bushwacker Deputy Sherif

Hey all.  How do we get stuff to ya?  I think I have some Zebco reels that are in excellent shape. Let me know. Thanks bunches.

Bayliner....I sent ya a pm with my address. Thanks

As for how legit this is, I have posted pics in the past of the kids and their "prizes", I have posted thank you letters from the groups/kids, and feel free to ask any of the older group of NAFC memebers that have helped out in the past. I even have (some where around here) a couple articals from a couple different papers that show cases the work I have done.

This was something I started back in 2003 and only had 40 to 50 kids to supply for, but over the years the one group has grown close to 200 kids that they take fishing three times a year and last year Cops and Bobbers asked if I could help them as well and well, with all that was going on with my health and all (and is still a issue), I still couldn't tell them "NO". Getting kids into fishing is my passion - ask anyone around here.....and cops and bobbers is a very good program.....once a week from May until Sept they take a different group of kids each week fishing. At the end, they have helped over 300 kids get on the water to fish - most of them for the very first time. I make sure that not only do these groups have enough working fishing tackle to use for the events but that each child goes home with a goodie bag filled with kid related fishing info and fun things to do but as much tackle as I can manage and treats. There is also weekly prizes of a complete (brand new) fishing package to get them started on their way to a very enjoyable sport. I spend a great deal of my own money that I really don't have to these programs but it never is enough and so thats why I ask for help from you - and the great community of fishing friends we have here - because our love for the sport needs to be passed on to keep it alive.

We hear every year how less and less of our kids are NOT getting into the outdoor sports and more and more into trouble. My goal is that if I can get one kid to love fishing so much that they rather do that then cause trouble, then my job is done, and that there is why I do this every year - and still do it even though I am still battling my cancer and all.

Thanks to all who want to help out in any way you can.

• The nature of fishing - the body parts, food chain, general habitat
• Freshwater fish - species, specialized habitat, food
• Saltwater fish - species, specialized habitat, food
• Knots
• Tackle - hooks, sinkers, lures, flies, bait (live & dead)
• Fishing gear - boots, first aid kits, tools, nets, camera, etc
• Fishing craft - boats, canoes, rafts, etc
• Ice fishing - all that it entails
• Safety practices - PFDs, etc
• Fish & boating laws
• Cleaning, filleting and eating fish
• Resource management - populations, habitat, conservation

Cheri, I hope this helps!  The age range is 11 - 18.

My hat is off to all who try to get kids more involved in anything that gives them an option other than crime, or just gives them some happiness even if just for a while.

MG, I will send you a money order just as son as I get situated in my new job.

ttt

Cheri, I think I have a couple of rods that will work good with Zebco reels...

MG: I KNOW WE MAY HAVE HAD "OUR" DIFFERENCES B-4. YET, "MY HATS" OFF TO YOUR "GOOD INTENTIONS & COMM. INVOVLEMENT" "YOU GO GIRL"! I'D LIKE TO HELP IN ANYWAY I CAN, ("IF YOU'LL ACCEPT MY HELP")? "WALLY-MART'S" UP THE STREET, & "ACADEMY S & O" JUST A BLOCK AWAY! AS OTHERS ON THIS THREAD HAVE MENTIONED,"IT'S BETTER TO GET THEM INTO THINGS THAT R GOOD"!!! "TAKE CARE" & CONT. SUCCESS IN YOUR EFFORTS!, L8r. James,"VATO LOCO"~<;({})>*< 'MEMBER; GROUP-HUG & MOVE ON!!**

Bump.