Published: August 21, 2006
By: Tara Marshall
Revised: January 28, 2008

In April 2007, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture, Inland Fisheries Division focused on year two of their L2F program. This initiative was launched in 2006 to promote and develop the sportfishery. The L2F workshop is an interactive, informative program for youth ages 8-12 providing them with the education and skills needed to enjoy this healthy, recreational activity.

The goal for 2007 was to bring this program to youth all over the province. Fifteen L2F workshops were held in conjunction with schools, boys and girls clubs and science/nature camps. The program has two main components: the classroom presentation consists of an introduction to freshwater sportfish of NS and how to identify them, environmental aspects of freshwater resources including habitat requirements, human impact and an appreciation of Nova Scotia’s aquatic environment, and angling education (fishing basics made easy). Introductory equipment and tackle procedures are explained in the classroom and each student gets to learn how to assemble their own fishing rod from knot tying to attaching spinners and bobbers, and an outdoor lesson consisting of a hands-on sportfishing workshop at a lake nearby. Once arriving at the local pond or lake, youth experience safety-based casting demonstrations and hands-on casting assistance of both open and closed faced reels. Additionally, at the lake youth learn to put a worm on a hook, how to set the hook when a nibble is felt on the line, and reeling in their catch. We encourage youth to release their catch back to the water unless they wish to take it home for the table. Many lakes involved in the program are part of our division’s hatchery enhancement program. The angling education program recruits the next generation of stewards of our aquatic resources, by teaching safe and ethical angling skills to youth.

L2F workshops began in late April and finished up at the beginning of September. The majority of events were held during the school year but participants in boys and girls clubs and science/nature camps to advantage of the program during the summer months. Schools that participated in the program were Humber Park Elementary, Mulgrave Memorial Educational Centre, Falmouth Elementary, Rockingstone Heights, and Admiral Westphal Elementary. Community groups that took part were: Port Morien Wildlife Association (youth fishing event in the community of Port Morien and Birch Grove), Universal Negro Improvement Association (youth fishing event in the community of Glace Bay), Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Pictou County, Trenton Summer Day Camp, Cape Sable Island Nature Camp, Bedford 1st cub pack, and youth in the community of Brooklyn, Hants County.

L2F workshops are made possible with the help of partnerships with Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, HRM Community, Culture & Development, Metro Transit, community groups; youth group clubs, sportfishing organizations and teachers.

Survey results from science teachers explained that concepts and vocabulary were easily understood and complimented their units on Interactions with Ecosystem and physical education teachers found the program re-enforced the initiatives for healthy physical activity. Youth group leaders and day camp counselors found the program fit well with the science/nature curriculum and cubs were certified in their fishing badges.

We are looking forward to an exciting 2008 with 26 L2F workshops booked.

See more photos from 2008...

See photos from 2007...

See 2006 initial launch of L2F...