Dia de Pesca Familiar 2007


What's bigger, the fish or the smile? by Victor Delgado www.surf-masters.com AVANCE Volunteer
Spanish Version
	ith the start of summer vacation from school for the kids, June brings with it The AVANCE-Houston’s Family Fishing Event, traditionally held the first Saturday of the June, this year will be June 2nd at the Matagorda Park Pier. The fishing event was developed in order to provide children who otherwise may not have the means, an opportunity to try catching a fish at any one of hundreds of events that take place abroad, whether in a supermarket parking lot, with a plastic make-shift pond stocked with fish, on the lake or bay. There are at least 3 things that will be present at every one of these events: children, fish and big smiles! Many of these kids come from inner city families, single parent households, or just families that don't have someone to take them. This is a great way to light the spark of the outdoors in every child! To teach them about nature, our important resources, patience and responsibility, but most of all, to teach them about having fun in the outdoors! These are sometimes the only opportunities that these kids will have to come in contact with fishing. Our generous sponsors and volunteers always make sure the kids don't leave empty handed either, with sunscreen, snacks and other kinds of goodies for the little ones to enjoy and take home. This year, as it has become a tradition, AVANCE- Houston’s Head Start Fatherhood and Healthy Marriages Programs in conjunction with Surf-Masters Saltwater Fishing Association (www.surf-masters.com), will be taking the kids fishing concept one step further by taking the members of the family programs fishing along with their children. Many of these fathers, just like the kids, have never been introduced to this activity, so they will be learning about fishing the same time their children will, with hopes that these kids will have more opportunities to go fishing with dad now, since he too is learning how to fish and getting hooked on a new and fun way to spend quality time together. The equipment will be furnished for these Dad/Kid teams to use to learn more about the experience of catching a fish from its natural habitat!, Surf-Masters will have Certified Youth Angler instructors along with other volunteers to help teach responsible fishing practices, conservation, regulations, ethics and catch and release. But mostly we will be showing them how to have fun and build unforgettable memories! For the young anglers that are interested in more than just a day of fishing, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has the “Reel Kids” program and the Junior/Master Angler programs that are a little more advanced, and teach fishing essentials such as fish identification, aquatic habitats, ethics and responsibility, fishing safety and first aid, fish rules and regulations, tackle, knot tying and fishing is also included. For those individuals that wish to go fishing later on but may not have access to equipment, TPWD has created the "Tackle Loaner Program". Individuals or groups may borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes with terminal tackle for anyone to use for up to 7 days, free of charge. A list of loaner sites is available on the TPWD website at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/angler_education/tackloan.phtml or you can call the Austin office, 800-792-1112 , then ext. 65. AVANCE is already taking registrations for the families and children interested in attending this year’s fishing event. Please contact your instructor or coordinator to sign up and complete the registration form. Only registered participants will be allowed to attend. *Have great time fishing with a kid!* For more information and registrations, please call to 713-812-0033 to contact: Héctor Rodríguez x203 Carla Bianchi x210, Nydia Mercado x 221, Manuel Ruiz x 226, Ana Maria LeRoy x 239 Download registration form here