Get Hooked: Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day Kicks Off This Saturday - fundsforNGOs

This Saturday, young anglers across Pennsylvania will have the chance to cast their lines during the annual Mentored Youth Trout Day. Designed for children aged 15 and under, this event allows them to learn fishing skills and enjoy the outdoors a week before the official trout season opener on April 5.

Key Takeaways

Event Date: Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Eligibility: Open to youth ages 15 and under, accompanied by a licensed adult mentor.
Fishing Regulations: Youth can keep up to two trout, with a minimum length of 7 inches.
Licensing: Youth must have a free mentored youth permit or a $2.97 voluntary youth fishing license.

Purpose Of The Event

Mentored Youth Trout Day was established in 2013 to provide a unique opportunity for young anglers to learn and practice fishing skills in a supportive environment. This initiative aims to foster a love for fishing and the outdoors among youth, ensuring they have a positive experience that encourages them to continue fishing in the future.

Richard Kauffman, District 8 Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), emphasized the importance of mentorship during this event. He stated, "On this special day, the focus of every adult mentor should be on helping kids to fish, including teaching them how to bait a hook, cast a line, and hopefully, help them to safely reel in a few trout."

Who Can Participate?

To participate in Mentored Youth Trout Day, the following requirements must be met:

Youth Anglers: Must be 15 years old or younger and possess either a free mentored youth permit or a $2.97 voluntary youth fishing license.
Adult Mentors: Must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit.
Fishing Limits: Each youth angler can keep a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches.

Fishing Locations

The event will take place across hundreds of waters in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania. Some popular locations include:

Mifflin County: Kish Creek, Honey Creek, and Strodes Run.
Juniata County: Big Run, Horning Run, and Cocolamus Creek.

For a complete list of stocked waters, participants are encouraged to check the PFBC website for the latest updates.

Safety Regulations

Participants are reminded to adhere to safety regulations, especially when fishing from a boat. The PFBC enforces a cold weather life jacket requirement from November 1 through April 30. This means:

Anyone aboard a boat 16 feet or less, including canoes and kayaks, must wear a life jacket.
Children ages 12 and under are always required to wear a life jacket while boating in Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

Mentored Youth Trout Day is not just about fishing; it’s about creating lasting memories and instilling a passion for the outdoors in the next generation. With the right preparation and guidance, young anglers can enjoy a day filled with fun, learning, and hopefully, some great catches!