AUSTIN - A new "how-to" video series from the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department walks novice anglers through
everything they need to know to get started in a sport
that often is seen as a gateway to the great outdoors,
according to a press release from the agency.
The
11-segment "Take Me Fishing 101" series is hosted on the
TPWD Web site and also on the department's
YouTube channel, and it is believed to be the
first-ever, comprehensive instructional fishing series
created by a state fish and game conservation agency.
"We have encountered a lot of young parents who want to
go fishing and take their kids fishing, but don't
necessarily know how to go about it," said TPWD Aquatic
Education Coordinator Ann Miller. "So, Parks & Wildlife
has tried to identify barriers and remove them so that
more people are able to enjoy the experience of fishing
and being outdoors. The DVD series is just part of the
overall effort by Texas Parks & Wildlife to make fishing
more accessible to more people.
"We began by offering basic family fishing courses at a
variety of state parks. But, even though we have 14 state
parks that regularly host these courses, we knew that
effort wasn't reaching everyone. We felt like a video
series that could be easily accessed would reach a lot
more people."
Miller is quick to point out access to useful
information has long been a hindrance to individuals
looking to gain entrance into the angling world.
Therefore, making the "Take Me Fishing" video series
available in a variety of manners was an importance
consideration as the release date drew near.
"We really wanted make sure anyone who wanted and
needed this information would be able to view this video
series," said Miller. "So often you see people who really
want to take up the sport of fishing but don't know how to
get started or maybe are intimidated to ask. This video
series provides all the basic information necessary to get
started and helps direct people to other resources that
can help them advance as an angler.
"We're making it available online at our website as
well as on YouTube. Segments of the video series are also
being incorporated into Texas Parks & Wildlife's PBS
television series. Those wishing to order a hard DVD will
be able to do so online for a minimal cost."
Though prospective fishermen are able to view the "Take
Me Fishing 101" video series for free online, the
information the video segments contain is invaluable. From
picking out a simple tackle selection to casting
instruction, from water safety to cleaning your catch, the
"Take Me Fishing 101" video series covers all the basics
and prepares new anglers to tackle their newfound sport
with confidence. The video series is comprised of 11
segments: 1 - Getting Started: Fishing Resources, 2 - Safe
Fishing, 3 - Basic Gear Assembly, 4 - Tackle Box and
Supplies, 5 - Baits and Lures, 6 - Casting, 7 - Don't Mess
With Texas Fish, 8 - Freshwater Fishing, 9 - Saltwater
Fishing, 10 - Fishing With Kids, 11 - Clean and Store Your
Catch.
"This video series is geared to new and novice
anglers," Miller said. "We're really striving to just hit
the basics - to give someone the information they need to
get started, but not bog them down with too much
information. But, what they learn by watching this video
series will enable them to gain additional information by
tapping into other resources, both online and in their
communities."
The bottom line, said Miller, is to allow people who
are interested in fishing to be able to pursue the sport
in an enjoyable and safe manner.
"We all know how fun fishing can be," Miller said.
"But, for someone who has never fished or maybe fished a
few times but lacks the experience to pursue it on their
own, it can be intimidating. These video segments offer
simple, practical advice to make sure they understand how
to go about having a safe, enjoyable and productive
fishing trip."
And, Miller adds, every Texan will benefit from having
an increased number of anglers across the state.
"Anglers are our best conservationists," said Miller.
"They are very in-tune with our water resources and become
the stewards of those resources. Today, there are so many
choices of what to do that we feel it is of utmost
importance to call attention to fishing. Fishing remains
one of the most cost-effective entertainment values for
families. And, we feel it is much healthier for families
to spend their time outdoors rather than on the couch."
TPWD's "Take Me Fishing 101" video series was made
possible by federal Sportfish Restoration Act funds and a
donation from Toyota and the Texas Bass Classic
Foundation.
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The most common fish sought after are marlin, tuna,
tarpon, sailfish, shark and mackerel along with other
species of fish.
Sport fishing methods vary according to the area being
fished, the species being targeted, the personal strategies
of the angler, and the resources available, ranging from the
aristocratic art of
fly fishing, ostensibly invented in Great Britain, to
the high-tech methods used to chase marlin and tuna. In
virtually every case, however, the fishing is done with
hook, line, rod and reel rather than with nets or other
aids.
In the past, sport fishers, even if they did not eat
their catch, almost always killed them to bring them to
shore to be weighed or for preservation as trophies.
Fisherman's desire to improve the fishery have resulted in
many sport fisherman releasing their catch alive, sometimes
after fitting them with identifying tags and recording their
details so as to aid fisheries research (known as tag and
release). Tag and release is commonly seen in sharks.
Sport fishing competitions give competitors (individuals
if the fishing occurs from land, usually teams where
conducted from boats) a specified time and area from which
they are to catch fish. Scores are awarded for each fish
caught, the points depending on the fish's weight and
species, and then, sometimes, divided by the strength of the
fishing line used (so catching fish on thinner, weaker line
scores additional points). In tag and release competitions,
a flat score per fish, divided by the line strength, is
awarded for each species caught. Usually sport fishing
events will have prize money for the boat or team with the
most points.
Out takes video from Commercial Shot
on SPI. 
