AFFTA's Casting Call Connects Kids, Politicians to Fly Fishing

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association and its partners host two events as part of the newly renamed Jim Range National Casting Call in Washington, D.C. this month. These events, hosted at Fletcher’s Cove on the Potomac River and timed with the annual shad run, aim to connect kids to fly fishing and government decision-makers to conservation.
The Family & Youth Casting Call, on Sunday, April 26, from 11 AM To 4 PM, is a public event intended to introduce D.C.-area children and their families to the joys of fishing and the outdoors. AFFTA partners provide all the tools and training necessary for families to catch fish in the C&O Canal, which is netted and stocked with native fish for the event. When not fishing on the canal, children complete a series of hands-on activities including fish art, scavenger hunts, water quality testing, touch tanks, critter identification and many other learning stations.
On Monday, April 27, the Jim Range National Casting Call — an invitation-only event — provides government decision-makers with the opportunity to fish for shad on the Potomac while also learning about fisheries conservation issues. This year, the Casting Call honors the legacy of Jim Range, a noted conservationist who envisioned the Casting Call almost a decade ago and who passed away from cancer in January (see “Prominent Conservation Lobbyist Jim Range Dies“). After morning fishing there will be a number of presentations including the christening of a boat built by wounded soldiers through Project Healing Waters.
AFFTA is looking for volunteers to help with either or both days of the events. To sign up, go online at www.familyandyouthcastingcall.com and click on the Volunteer link in the menu.
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