Hooked On Fishing

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"HOOKED ON FISHING-NOT ON DRUGS" is a program of the Future Fisherman Foundation.

A 14 year old boy wrote a letter to the foundation because he felt it was important to let youth across the country know about his discovery that fishing helped to keep him drug free. Since then the "HOOKED ON FISHING-NOT ON DRUGS" message and programs are growing stronger each year. "HOOKED ON FISHING-NOT ON DRUGS" is now considered to be one of the most effective drug prevention programs available. It combines drug prevention, environmental education, and fishing into a powerful package. Through the program, individuals, families and communities are developing a full understanding of the benefits that fishing and the "HOOKED ON FISHING-NOT ON DRUGS" program can provide. More families are actually making time to fish with their children and as a result are communicating with their children and developing a bond that lasts a lifetime.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has adopted the "HOOKED ON FISHING-NOT ON DRUGS" (HOFNOD) program as one of its youth educational tools. This is an ideal program to promote youth and family togetherness through fishing within the State of Maine. The 118th Legislature, enacted legislation that the "HOOKED ON FISHING-NOT ON DRUGS" program be established in the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to encourage youth fishing activities in the State of Maine. The enactment of this law also authorized that the department may accept money, goods and services. Money, goods and services accepted by the department under this law may be used only for activities associated with youth education.

Some interesting statistics of children that have been in the program:

65% have never fished before;

70% of those that had never fished continued to fish; and

80% became more aware of the environment.

Betty Lewis has been hired as the Youth Activities Coordinator and in addition to planning educational activities throughout the state for our youth, Betty is responsible for fund raising that enables the Department to keep expanding the program it provides. WALMART of Maine has become our first corporate sponsor and has challenged other Maine businesses to follow suit. Safari Club of Maine has been contributing to the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife's educational programs for several years along with numerous other small businesses and individuals.

If you would like to be added to their list of contributors, please make checks payable to:
State of Maine Treasurer; Please indicate that your check is earmarked for the Youth Education.

Home	FAQ	Association	Boating Laws	Community	Contests	Current Events	Discussions	Fishing
Links	Living	Local Laws	Maps	Marine Safety	Past Events	Photos	State of Maine	Water Education

E-mail: Contact the webmaster with your questions, comments or suggestions.