Some very good ideas have come from the minds of people often overlooked because of their youth. The Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program is one of those ideas.

Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs is an international program that started 20 years ago. The concept is the brainchild of 14-year old Mathew Deakins.

In a letter he wrote to the Future Fisherman Foundation, Deakins proposed that kids who got hooked on fishing, like he and several of his friends, wouldn't be interested in drugs or other destructive behaviors.

Since the program's beginning, thousands of kids have become involved with fishing through this program.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife started using the program as part of its Angler Education Program two years ago. Making it a success is a cadre of volunteer instructors such as retiree Dr. Fred Ehrlich who donates his time and energy to make fishing a lifelong passion for children.

"There's nothing more exciting than watching a child's face light up when they catch their first fish," said Ehrlich.

The program consists of three major components. The primary component focuses on angling skills such as knot tying, casting, and fish biology.

The other two components are conservation/resource stewardship and life skills/decision making.

Conservation/stewardship training helps kids understand the importance of keeping a fishing area healthy for the future.

Life skills/decision making helps participants with their self-esteem because many poor choices in life are the result of low self-esteem. Learning skills such as fishing tends to build self-esteem.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the program is invited to attend a free training seminar Sept. 20, at 9 a.m. All participants will receive a program's instructor binder with information on conducting workshops for kids.

For more information contact Ivy Santee at 486-5127 ext. 3503 Monday - Friday.