In an effort to further engage young anglers, including those already involved in organized high school and college bass fishing clubs and tournaments, Shimano has announced the launch of a youth fishing program.
In addition to educating young anglers about Shimano's tackle products, the aim of the program is to help high school and college age anglers have more fishing success, create lifetime relationships even beyond their time on the water, and open their eyes and teach young anglers about the sustainable use of the resource.
“We want them to further appreciate the sport in more ways than just catching a big bass,” said Steve Ferrara, vice president of Shimano's fishing division.
Frank Hyla, who has been active in high school bass fishing scene in Illinois since its inception in 2008, will spearhead Shimano’s efforts. In laying the groundwork for the program, Hyla attended more than 200 tournaments and youth fishing group meetings over this past year to both talk about Shimano and its tackle and advocacy efforts.
“Through Frank and our team’s efforts, we’ve designed our high school and college angling program to be much more than just have having these student anglers use our tackle,” said Ferrara. “Our plans include not only helping them pursue their passion for competitive fishing, but also guide and mentor them as they navigate their way to potential careers in the sportfishing, outdoors or natural resources fields."
In 2017, Hyla and the Shimano Experience Team will attend select high school and college tournaments, including events conducted by B.A.S.S., as well as youth tournaments sponsored by the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association, and the Florida, Georgia and Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation groups.
“We are constantly researching key events across the country where we can interact with youth anglers,” said Hyla. “On the special Shimano youth program web site – set to launch in January 2017 – we will be consistently updating our event schedule, along with announcing plans for Shimano ‘Career Night’ seminars at select tournaments.”
Along with the fishing tournament activity, Shimano is making fishing advocacy and conservation a major element of its youth program, notes Hyla. Those involved in the program will be introduced to not only Shimano’s initiatives and programs like its support in developing live release boats and water weigh-in systems, and also learn about the positive image anglers have as conservationists.
To learn more about the program or how to get involved, contact Hyla at fhyla@shimano.com, or visit Shimano’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShimanoYouthAnglers/.
