The magic of technology today is that you can learn about a lot of things that traditional media might not tell you about, especially in sub-cultures. Even so, word of some things get around slower than others.
While I was on Facebook this evening, The Argosgirl Chronicles shared a link to the Recycled Fish 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon.
As a participant, you are expected to do three things:
- To fish for 24 hours straight, with a partner, and document your catches with a
digital camera, then post them to the website later. - To raise money by asking people to sponsor hours that you’re fishing or
creating other local fundraisers. - To raise awareness by talking to people you know and to the local media.
The money goes to raise awareness of the problems in our fisheries. This includes pollution, invasive species, and over-harvesting, among others.
And, of course, what would a fishing event be without prizes? Each fish, no matter the size, is worth a set number of points. Top point-getters win some great prizes. I also appreciate the fact that it is a catch and release only event and that they are encouraging the right way to take a picture of a fish–by holding it horizontally.
I think this is a fantastic idea. What better excuse to fish for an insanely long time? Apparently, the campaign for registration has been going on since early June, but I just heard about it today. The deadline to register a team is this Sunday, August 12.
I think it’s too short of a notice for me to wrangle up a partner and decide what issue to raise money for. I’ve also been more tired than usual and I’m not sure I could do an all-nighter, even if I have a month to prepare. And while I love fishing, fishing for 24 hours can be a loooong time. Especially if the fish aren’t biting. I think the key is not to focus on one species the entire 24 hours; find a lake that supports multiple species and target different ones, each for a few hours at a time.
My plans are to start talking to some of my fishing buddies about it this year and think about putting together a team next year.
If you think you can get a team together by Sunday, click the button below to register. Also check out the participant overview, ambassador guide, and other Fish-A-Thon resources.
Otherwise, click this button to find a team to support:
I’ll see you on the water next year.
Thanks for helping spread the good word!
This is a fantastic summary of the event, and yes – we’re taking registrations through Sunday.
We’re pleased to have teams in Minnesota, but so many states are still unrepresented … perhaps we’ll have a few more onboard before the registration deadline comes and goes.
Hope you can join us on the water next year – we can’t have too many teams!
Great adventures,
Teeg
Thanx for stopping by, Teeg. I look forward to joining the cause next year. I’m still a little leary of 24 hours, but I will definitely do the 6 hour Memorial Day Fish-A-Thon.