Senator Sykes Hosts Fishing Clinic for Akron Youth

AKRON – This week, State Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) hosted his annual fishing clinic for children in the community. In collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), young Ohioans participated in several fishing related activities throughout the day. The children learned about fish native to Ohio’s waters as well as how to cast a fishing rod, catch a fish, and filet and cook fish.

“Today’s urban and suburban families often have limited opportunities to connect with the environment, so I want to give children from the community a chance to learn about Ohio’s wildlife,” said Senator Sykes. “There are significant benefits to ensuring young people experience the outdoors. By showing these children the world outside their day-to-day surroundings, we encourage them to dream bigger.”

Many of the young participants were children from the Boys and Girls Club of the Western Reserve and Dreams Academy, both located in Akron. The fishing clinic took place at the ODNR’s Youth Fishing Area at Wildlife District Three, located at 912 Portage Lakes Drive. Children 15 and under can fish on weekends, from 9 a.m to 7 p.m, at the ODNR’s designated Youth Fishing Area.

Second Harvest Food Bank provided the food for the fishing clinic. Gifted tote bags were donated by Dr. Laura Skeen’s The Leadership Center ATEAM All-Stars.