Getting kids involved is vital to outdoors

One of the recurring themes at the recent Boat & Fishing Expo at the State Fairgrounds was the importance of getting youngsters interested and involved in the outdoors.

“It’s our future,” said famed Dale Hollow Lake guide Bobby Gentry. “We have to get today’s young people interested and involved in the outdoors, or there’s not going to be anyone to carry on the traditions in the future.”

With that in mind, Gentry is helping his daughter Hannah promote a new “Kids Outdoors” project. Gentry is assisted by Hugh McNaughten, host of Southern Woods and Waters, which airs Thursday nights from 8-9 on Channel 5-Plus, with encores on Friday and Sunday.

There is a link at SouthernWoodsandWaters.com to the Kids Outdoors project.

“Basically what we’re trying to do is encourage more adults to takes kids fishing,” McNaughten says. “I guarantee you, if they do it will pay off big-time for not just the kids but also for the adults.”
Along that theme, one popular stop at the outdoor show was a trout pond, where kids could fish for rainbows, assisted by parents. Toddlers and trout were a popular combo. It helped to make the show “probably the best ever,” according to Lebanon guide Jim Duckworth who manned a tackle booth and conducted seminars on trolling for crappie.

Other Show highlights:

. Canadian fishing: Pipestone Lodge, located just across the U.S. Canadian border, has become a Show regular in recent years, as more and more anglers are drawn to the special enchantment of wilderness fishing.

The original camp was built in the 1940’s and offers all modern amenities. Packages vary and rates are reasonable, but bookings need to be made in advance.

Visit www.pipestonelodge.com for information and an eye-catching photo display.

. Crappie trips: Area guide Brian Carper, who specializes in crappie fishing on Priest and Old Hickory, offered show-goers proof that he knows his business: a cooler full of fresh-caught slabs.

Crappie are becoming active in area waters, and will continue to do so heading into the peak spring season. Contact Brian at 615-278-6311 or www.briancarper.com for information and bookings.

. Healing Waters: This inspiring program offers assistance to wounded military personnel “to aid in their physical and emotional healing.” One example is guided trout fishing trips on the Caney Fork River.

Visit www.projecthealingwaters.org for details about the program.

. Antique lures: Acclaimed antique lure expert Gibby Gibson of Mt. Juliet manned one of my favorite booths – a collection of vintage fishing tackle. The National Fishing Lure Collectors Club is joining the movement to attract more youngsters with a special Youth Division. Visit www.nflcc.org for info and photos.

. Rockfish fishing: If you’re interested in big fish, Captain Joe’s Guide Service is for you. Guide Joe James specializes in catching big hybrids and stripers in Percy Priest and the Cumberland River. He books full and half-day trips. Call him at 615-889-2155 or cell: 615-804-5140. Fellow guide Bob Angello is also an expert on stripers and can be reached at 615-498-7833 or Bob@FishForStripers.com

Joe and Bob have over three decades of experience. They provide boat and bait and, if needed, tackle. One telling indication of the size of their fish: they advise their clients to use 40-pound test line.