Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
HOFNOD
Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® is the flagship education program of the national Future Fisherman Foundation, the recruitment and education arm of the American Sportfishing Association. It is widely used in more than 30 states and territories to foster angling skills, conservation ethics and social skills. The program is implemented across the state with assistance from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
HOFNOD groups are affiliated with UNITE coalitions and work closely with a coalition's Youth Activities Committee. Leaders must attend a Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® instructor training program in order to utilize Future Fisherman Foundation materials and to receive funding from Operation UNITE. Regional training sessions are conducted periodically as requested. Members are recruited through schools and youth organizations. Groups should meet at least once a month.
There is a large need for positive youth activities in Southeastern Kentucky. So many of our children do not have positive role models. HOFNOD is an on-going program that provides caring adults in a mentoring relationship, giving youth a fun alternative to using drugs.
Addiction is a family disease. When children are around drugs they are more likely to begin using drugs. Fishing generates communication among friends and families and provides individuals a chance to discuss problems. Fishing provides a special bond between a parent and child, can offer personal challenge and prestige among peers, and is an inexpensive activity.
HOFNOD programs are designed for youth ages 5 and older. Parents, older siblings and anyone who likes to fish are encouraged to participate. Although being an active outdoorsman is a plus, it is not a requirement for volunteers. Anyone can take a child fishing or serve as their mentor. A love for children is the main ingredient for success.
Through the program, HOFNOD participants will:
Learn all the skills necessary to fish safely on their own in a variety of settings.
Attain the ability to teach others.
Adopt fishing as a wholesome pastime and be encouraged to enjoy it regularly with their friends and family.
Take an active role in conservation in their community.
Develop ethical attitudes about the outdoors.
Be empowered by a new, fun activity to develop positive lifestyles, such as creative decision-making, problem-solving, patience and camaraderie.
Develop better communication skills.
Gain new confidence and find a new sense of respect and responsibility for themselves, their friends and family, and community.
The cost to purchase supplies and materials for recognized HOFNOD programs may be reimbursed through quarterly appropriations to UNITE coalitions who have included it in their Action Plan and submitted the appropriate request forms. Many businesses (especially those related to sports fishing) will donate items or sponsor events. Materials are also available from the Kentucky Division of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Liability coverage (but not medical) is provided through the Future Fisherman Foundation for recognized HOFNOD groups. Additional liability and medical insurance is available through the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources.
In addition to the many activities found in the HOFNOD training manual, groups should consider the following activities, many of which can be used as recruitment tools:
Organize an annual Kid’s Fishing Derby or partner with an existing event, such as the Kentucky Free Kid’s Fishing Day in June.
Identify a regular meeting location.
Hold a cookout or fish fry.
Conduct a fishing tournament and award prizes by age group.
Partner with Family Resource and Youth Service Centers in schools to target at-risk youth.
Provide hands-on activities at monthly meetings.
Encourage UNITE Clubs to participate in activities.
Ask local conservation officers, fishermen or outdoor store operators to conduct a special program.
Implement the program into 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA or Big Brothers/Big Sisters organizations.
Take youth on an outing to a zoo, fish hatchery or wildlife management area.
Publicize activities, before and after, through local media outlets.
To download a Hooked On Fishing promotional flier click here.
