Twenty-two children between the ages of two and thirteen years old got to experience what it takes to be an exceptional angler during the Junior Anglers' Camp hosted by the Ebony Anglers.
During the lay-day (11 April 2025) of the 2025 Republic Bank Sir Charles Williams International Tournament, the Ebony Anglers hosted four stations, each teaching the children different fundamentals in fishing. The Ebony Anglers' Lesleigh Mausi spoke to eager ears about rods and bait, Glenda Turner taught about the basics of tackling, Gia Peebles walked them through safety and casting of gear, and Tiana Davis demonstrated the different types of knots that can be tied.
The children as they visited the various stations, learning the fundamental skills in fishing. Photo credits: Jalisa King and Kyle Foster
The children were then treated to a 40 minute boat trip aboard the boat Wicked Wahoo, where they learned about safety at sea, the gears used to catch gamefish, and how to identify which species of fish is hooked by the movement of the rod.
Not only did the children learn about the basic fishing skills, but they were able to put them into practice. Each with their own personal rods, they took to the bridge of the Port St. Charles Marina to put their skills to the test.
The children then put their skills to the test, even learning that every day is a fishing day, but every day may not be a catching day! Photo credits: Jalisa King
Introducing younger generations to the world of fishing is important, especially as the demographic of Barbados' fishing industry leans heavily towards the aging side. Barbados relies on the sector for food security, its contributions to the economy, and for tourism and recreation. It is also deeply embedded in the culture and traditions of our island. Keeping the knowledge of fishing alive is key, as many depend on fish's protein as a part of their regular nutrition, and it is a lucrative venture with many avenues for profit, particularly when imbued with creativity.