This multi-phase program empowers youth by fostering trusted relationships, building confidence, and connecting them with the joy and peace of the great outdoors through fishing. The program consists of up to three interactive events which build upon one another to educate, equip, explore, and enhance skills for fishing, while also developing healthy strategies for navigating everyday life. Each thoughtfully planned event fits within a half-day to full-day format creating a supportive and enriching experience.

WHO:
Youth Ages 8-17
Male and Female

WHAT:
FREE one-day youth events with community engagement and adult mentorship.

FIRST EVENT – EDUCATE & EQUIP

Participants learn about fishing and how to restore rods, reels, and tackleboxes. All

participants keep the equipment they restore. The rod, reel, and tacklebox restoration event can be done indoors or outdoors.

SECOND EVENT – EXPLORE

A guided fishing event from a pier or shore on a nearby lake with fishing instruction

for the youth. This can also include ice fishing. *

THIRD EVENT – ENHANCE

All-expenses-paid fishing trip from a boat on one of Minnesota’s larger fishing lakes.**

*Fishing Licenses for those 16 and older will be paid for by Fishing For Life. **Participants MUST attend the first two events to be eligible for the third event.

*Participants MUST complete the Build and Explore phases to be eligible for the Transform phase. Fishing Licenses for those 16 and older
will be paid for by Fishing For Life.

Metro Camps:
As the growing fourth phase of the Reel Hope program, Metro Camps provide more immersive single day or overnight outdoor experiences—offered at no cost to youth who have completed the first three phases—designed to deepen skills, build confidence, and encourage continued exploration in a supportive, mentorship driven environment. More information can be found on the Metro Camps page.

WHEN:
*Some parts of the program may be done year-round. The fishing components will be during the legal MN fishing seasons.

WHERE:
A location near you! Event locations are mobile and are chosen in partnership with group leaders to introduce your youth to the sport of fishing and related activities near them.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

Contact:
Bobby Lyons,
Program Coordinator
bobby@fishingforlife.org
Phone: 763-203-7431

All equipment and tackle is provided by Fishing For Life.

Reel Hope Youth Fishing Program cultivates relationships, explores new skills and transforms lives.