Article in LA Times today (Front Page)

[Bassin]

On the front page of the LA Times today there is an article about the decline of growth in the fishing industry due to the lack of Youth participation. Its kind of funny because I saw a stat. not to long ago that said the fishing industry has been growing? I can understand the lack of participation of youth though, most would rather be sitting in front of a TV playing video games all day or sitting here surfing the net instead of on the water. I am not a father (Yet), so how do some of you fathers feel about this? I know you can't force feed your kid a hobby...but what has happen to that Father/son/daughter relationship of old? Has society got to the point were articles like this are trying to tell us something?

Bryan

[Calistar]

I don't know about that particular article, but I do know that my son (age: 15) loves fishing. In fact he works (with me) for the Folsom Bass League. He sports the RANGER shirt, helps with the set-up and take-down of equipment, and takes most of the photos. Whenever you go to the FBL website and see the Photo Gallery, Recap, and pix on the front page, HE took the majority of those. The love of fishing has been passed down from my dad to me...and now I've passed it down to my son.

[NaCl]

How many teens and young adults are willing.able to pay $40 for a fishing license. Of course, its declining. The Department of Fish and Game is pricing the next generation out of our sport. Typical bright California government!

.....NaCl

[Colebass]

loves to fish. We will fish a couple events this year. Still at the age (7) it's trouble to make it all day if the bite is tought. So later in the spring we should be fine.

I have been thinking of doing some seminars at some local schools and boy scout troups. We have lots of bass boats running around Roseville, so I think it could be fun. Everytime, I'm out kids are always asking about the boat and where they could go fish.

[Colebass]

someone the other day was telling me about a Life time fishing license. I was wondering purchasing my kids now, that would be valueable later!

[Andy Giannini]

Took my seven year old boy fishing on the Champion Sunday. He just loves going for a boat ride, and we don't just Bass fish. Last year, I invested time taking him Bluegill fishing and he really likes going. Bring a ton of snacks and keep the trips short.

The only other thing that is even close on the fun meter would be some kind of hunting, or just plinking with his Red Ryder.

Its also fun for him to invite a friend or a cousin to fish with us, usually from the bank. That way we get to share the fun, there is nothing like kids catching fish.

A.G.

[Steve Reed]

I think thats strange. I am 18 years old soon to be 19 and I love fishing, its my life, its what i want to do for a living. I think that the difference is now that there are more avid youth fisherman , and less general population of kids fishing. Alot of it probably has to do with the patience required to fish when conditions are tough. Also I believe that tournament trails and the big two flw and bass are discouraging growth of the sport, imo. I just feel like they want to keep the money exclusive between the guys that are pro right now. Like there is no room for up and comers. Maybe I'm wrong or this will change.


posted this earlier meant to put it here

[ash]

If it is an LA times article I wonder as to where thier data comes from?

I am from Orange county and typically fishing is just not a highly valued thing. I use to fish lakes that had houses surrounded by them and people that lived there would TELL me there is no fish in the lake! HAR Before I moved here all of my PB came from this pond.

I would think in LA the numbers would be worse then OC, where the hell would you fish in LA? If there is a lake it is probably private, the parents arent exactly outdoorsman. I think supporting fishing by visiting Boy Scout troops is an excellent idea.

Interesting article, I am just courious as to where they are sighting the statistics from.

[strpline]

My son enjoys fishing, but at this point I would'nt say he loves it.He is only six and has had his own rod and reel since he was two.It seems that young kids don't have the attention span today that kids had when I was young.Video games, way more tv shows and generally just much more to do play a big part in that.It is my hope that if I keep the trips short and only go when the fishing is good he will become hooked like his dad and then the patience will come later.I love to fish and would love to be able to fish tournaments with him when he is ready.

[Calistar]

Here is a portion of the article that Bryan was eluding to.

from LATIMES.com (Feb 13):

A 2004 survey by the National Sporting Goods Assn. found that participation in fishing dropped 10% from 1994 to 2004 and was surpassed in popularity for the first time by camping, bowling and exercising with gym equipment.

In 1994, 45.7 million Americans said they fished at least once. That number dropped to 41.2 million in 2004, according to the survey. By comparison, 52.2 million Americans said they worked out with gym equipment in 2004 and 43.8 million bowled that year, the survey found.

[Ken C.]

Check it out, if your son is only 7 I think you can get a lifetime license for him that is only $300. After a certain age - like 12 or 16 it goes up to $600. I wish I had bought one for my son Jason when he was young enough!

Another thing... Have you considered starting up a Junior Bass Club up in your area? I am involved with the Delta Teen Team here in Oakley and I know there are several kids in the Sac/Elk Grove area that are interested but we are just too far for them to travel. With Folsom Lake right there as your "home water" you would likely have alot of interest. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about it.

Ken

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

I find it amusing that bowling supposedly out ranks fishing..I haven't seen a big increase in the amount of bowling alleys, if anything, there are fewer now than 20 years ago..As far as gym and such, no doubt there is an increased popularity there..I have three workout out places within sixblocks of my apartment here in San Jose..

I think those of us that do fish, for the most part we would gladly share or time and equipment in teaching youngsters the joy to be had by a day on the water, be it sitting on the bank or out in a boat..I know I would and do when I have the opportunity..If a kid has the patience to sit and play video games he can also develope the patience to sit and fish..I have the hardest time trying to figure those video games out..

mac

[Colebass]

I may try and get a few other folks interested, then contact you.

Thanks for the license tips.

[MIKE TREMONT]

I couldn't believe how crowded the place was. I was a hardcore bowler up until 7 years ago and don't remember seeing a house that full unless there was a special event. The house had these gutter guards that were available on every lane. Keeps the kids spirts high cause every ball doesn't drop in the gutter.
We just had our 1st born in Sept., I already have the harness ready if her mom lets me take her out. Some of my 1st memories are chasing Bluefish and Stripers with my dad and I couldn't of been but 3 years old. All of us know the enjoyment we get from fishing and I think it's either there or it's not. My nephews (11 and 6) could care less about fishing. I took them out on the water last year and the older boy was scared of the boat ride! Kind of let me down. Both of these guys are very profecient at video games though. I guess it's all what we are subject to.
The L.A. Times? I wouldn't really know if I would trust anything that comes out of that propaganda machine. Just my opinion!

[kazk]

I too had my oldest son fishing at age 2. He is now thirty and is an avid fisherman. There was a DFG run program for inner city youths called Fishing in the City where my son and I were instructors for teaching adult volunteers how to fish and then they in turn would be able to teach the youth. Alas with the budget cuts and politics they cut this out of their budget and some enterprising individuals made it a private concern. Not a bad thing but the volunteers were asked to kick in a membership fee and to pay for their own DOJ background reports.

Chris KOda

[bassinwannabe]

my son is only 2 1/2 and was casting a spongebob pole by 2. He asks at least once a week if we can take the boat out and go fishing. We make it a point to get him out of the house as much as possible. During the winter we usually take him to the lake/pond in Marysville. I told him he has to become a pro so I can fish the backseat and he can win me a bassboat HE already loves to fish as much as me

[JGB]

If you build it they will come!

Inspired by the Pro Teen Event I started a fishing club at the Junior High School where I teach. This being our second year, I have about twenty solid members who some have never even caught a fish before. Most of our time is spent practicing our casts and doing other fun stuff like this Thursday where we will be celebrating a members birthday.
I was able to take all our members out on the water with me last year and took almost the whole group to the Pro Teen Event. These kids are hooked on fishing big time now and have recruited an even bigger group for this year.
I do believe that the numbers may be declining but also believe that the interest is still there.
For more on our club you may visit http://www.jarodballardo.com/fishing%20 ... intro.html

JGB

[Fast 492]

I bought my lifetime license this year, it was the best gift I could give myself. All lifetime licenses' jumped $31 as of Jan.1st (got mine dec.30th). I will by my daughters this year (she is 5) and loves to be on the water with her Lamiglass and box of worms. Here are the new prices for the Lifetime licenses':

The good thing about these privileges is that they are for life, even if you move out of state and come back to visit!!! They mail these directly to you every Dec. !!!!

Lifetime Fishing and Hunting cost the same

,
Fishing or Hunting
9 years and under-$389.25
10-39years-$639.75
40-61years-$575.75
62 and up-$389.25

Additional Fishing Privileges(delta bay enhancement stamp,ocean enhancement stamp,2nd rod stamp,salmon punch card & steelhead report card) "for life"- $261.25

Additional Bird hunting ?- $224
Additional Big Game Hunting ?- $474.50

If your child loves the outdoors now, chances are they will for ever, what is $400 these days- a few less swimbaits- think about how much it will be in their future!!!!

[FIT]

I personally am trying to pass down fishing to my sons but it is not something I will force upon them to do with me. Even thought my boys are still young 4-1/2 and 2 I try to get them out when we can. My oldest actually caught his first fish at the age of two, it was at Lake Berryessa and I still remember the day vividly in my mind. I will definitely get them out more this year so hopefully they both get to enjoy the sport as much as I do.

FIT

[Fast 492]

I bought my lifetime license this year, it was the best gift I could give myself. All lifetime licenses' jumped $31 as of Jan.1st (got mine dec.30th). I will by my daughters this year (she is 5) and loves to be on the water with her Lamiglass and box of worms. Here are the new prices for the Lifetime licenses':

The good thing about these privileges is that they are for life, even if you move out of state and come back to visit!!! They mail these directly to you every Dec. !!!!

Lifetime Fishing and Hunting cost the same

,
Fishing or Hunting
9 years and under-$389.25
10-39years-$639.75
40-61years-$575.75
62 and up-$389.25

Additional Fishing Privileges(delta bay enhancement stamp,ocean enhancement stamp,2nd rod stamp,salmon punch card & steelhead report card) "for life"- $261.25

Additional Bird hunting ?- $224
Additional Big Game Hunting ?- $474.50

If your child loves the outdoors now, chances are they will for ever, what is $400 these days- a few less swimbaits- think about how much it will be in their future!!!!