Statewide fishing events aim to grow sport among children | The Augusta Chronicle

As many as 100 children will cast their lines Saturday into a stocked pond on the campus of Augusta Technical College with hopes of reeling in their first fish.

The event, organized by longtime fisherman Kirk Gatch for the past two decades, is part of a statewide effort to introduce young anglers to fishing, which license and merchandise sales show is on the upswing as the economy begins to stabilize and more people search for outdoor activities to share with their families.

“If a child catches their first fish before they are 5 years old, they’ll be hooked for life,” said Gatch, the lead coordinator for the 26th annual Kids Fishing Event at Augusta Tech.

Gatch, 60, caught his first fish in 1958 with his father at Leitner Lake on Fort Gordon. He was 5.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is hoping for more families like the Gatches.

via Statewide fishing events aim to grow sport among children | The Augusta Chronicle.