GON Kids – May 2021

Fish-n-Learn Program Hosts 18 At Charlie Elliott

On April 9-11, 18 participants joined WRD Fisheries and Education staff at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center for a weekend of fishing known as Fish-n-Learn 2. Children and their chaperones learned the basics of bass fishing, fisheries management and regulations, along with fishing techniques. Fish-n-Learn offers a series of programs for kids ages 8 to 15 focused on the development of fishing skills and conservation knowledge. Each class builds on knowledge gained in the previous class.

The Fish-n-Learn Program currently offers three levels:

Fish-n-Learn 1: Beginner level focusing on the basics of fishing, equipment, knot-tying, casting and cleaning your catch.

Fish-n-Learn 2: Intermediate level focusing on bass fishing and different lure types.

Fish-n-Learn 3: Advanced level focusing on the different types of fishing, such as fly fishing and surf fishing.

Fish-n-Learn 2 participants arrived on Friday evening, checked in and had some time to get to know each other. They received classroom instruction on various lures and techniques for bass fishing after supper at the lodge. They also received a nice assortment of lures and tackle to use for the weekend and take home with them after the class, thanks to a grant from the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation.

Fishing started bright and early Saturday morning on Clubhouse Pond. The kids got to take turns fishing from boats and shore and received personal instruction and coaching from volunteers and WRD staff. The bass were really biting, with plastic worms rigged wacky style bringing the most bites. Fish were also caught on spinnerbaits, flukes, Trick Worms and shallow-running crankbaits. Several big bass were landed along with lots of small- and medium-sized bass.

After a few hours of fishing, the class moved over to the fish cleaning station, and kids learned how to clean their catch. Lunch was served, and after another short instruction session, there was more fishing in the afternoon. The kids got to fry up some of their catch that evening and tell fishing tales around a campfire after dark. Sunday morning was reserved for more fishing, and the kids and their chaperones were encouraged to explore other lakes at the Center.

All the participants went home tired but with a much better knowledge of how to catch and clean a bass.

Alana Arnold, 14, of Senoia, with a bass she caught at the Fish-n-Learn 2 event at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. The guide pictured is Matt Thomas.

“The Fish and Learn program creates unique opportunities for kids and adults to develop lifelong skills in both patience and fishing,” said Kim Morris-Zarneke, program manager at Charlie Elliott. “What makes this program so great is the kids (and adults) are able to go to their local river, pond or lake after participating and confidently go fishing with the knowledge of what to do, including cleaning the fish for dinner.”

The next Fish and Learn will be surf fishing on the coast with DNR Coastal Resources Division on Sept. 11. There is a Fish and Learn 1 class scheduled for Oct. 8-10 at Charlie Elliott.

If you are interested in Fish and Learn and other outdoor education programs, you can get more information online at georgiawildlife.com/charlie-elliott-wildlife-center or by calling 770.784.3059. If you are interested in fishing classes for kids a little farther south, check out the summer camps and fishing classes offered at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry.

Thanks to volunteers and former WRD employees John Biagi and Matt Thomas, who provided boats and equipment and served as fishing guides along with the Charlie Elliott Center staff.