Editorial: Take a kid fishing

From The Valley Gazette

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has launched a Youth Fishing Passport program to introduce youth to and connect them with a lifetime of fishing opportunities across Connecticut.

The free program allows youngsters to access fishing information and fishing-related activities and also helps to promote a sense of environmental stewardship at an early age.

Some vendors will offer free products and discounts to passport holders.

Participation is open to anyone under age 16, with permission from parents or guardians. Learn more at ct.gov/deep/yfp.

Here in the Valley, there are numerous opportunities to go fishing. From the Kellogg Center to the Seymour Land Trust’s Legion Pool, there are plenty of opportunities to introduce youngsters to a lifetime hobby.

Locally, most anglers are catch-and-release proponents. But even without a trophy fish to bring home, there are plenty of reasons to go fishing.

It benefits the environment through permit fees and simple awareness and appreciation.

It gets kids out into fresh air for healthy outdoor activity.

It forces you to take time to relax.

Fishing can be a fun way to spend time together as a family, while getting some light exercise and developing an appreciation of the outdoors. Get out and go fishing!