Loot for Lunkers casts a line

Kids can catch more than just fish. EAST LANSING — Children and adults now have a new purpose for fishing by “catching some cash,” say state officials.

Michigan State University Extension’s Project FISH — Friends Involved in Sportfishing Heritage — is running a fundraising program called Loot for Lunkers.

“Loot for Lunkers is similar to walk-a-thons. Participants ask a neighbor, friend, local business or family member to pledge a certain amount of money per inch of fish they’re going to catch,” said educational program coordinator Mark Stephens.

Participants in the program will not only get a chance to fish, but also to be a supporter of sport fishing and to increase the number of anglers in Michigan.

“It’ll get kids to go outdoors and fish. It’s a healthy, great way to interact with nature and they’ll be learning a life hobby,” said Stephens.

Also noteworthy, is that all proceeds from the fundraiser will go back to Project FISH.

“With our trying economic times, funding is limited,” said Stephens. “The Loot for Lunkers fundraising program will help provide the needed support to continue our quality programming.”

Not only will participants enjoy catching fish and enjoying nature, but the top fundraiser of every two months will receive a prize. For the September-October top fundraiser, the winner will receive a perch fishing charter for four out of Bolles Harbor in Monroe, a prize package donated by Kathy’s Boyz 3, worth approximately $400.

Anyone interested in participating in the Loot for Lunkers fundraising program can log on to www.projectfish.org/lootforlunkers.pdf to download the pledge form. Non-anglers can also help by donating to Project FISH at www.projectfish.org. Details: contact Stephens at steph143@msu.edu or 517-432-2700.

Project FISH is a community-based sport fishing and aquatic resource education program coordinated through the Depart. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies at MSU. Its vision is to initiate and provide fishing education and fishing skills to interested adults and youth by preserving a natural heritage that ensures the future of fishing. This includes natural resources and environmental awareness, ethical fishing practices, fisheries stewardship and positive developmental activities for children, families and the community.