Reel Connections for Kids

Reel Connections for Kids was initially organized as a project of the Smith Mountain Striper Club.  In early 2022, members of the Striper Club discussed hosting an event that would focus on children that were “underserved”: those who lacked resources, opportunities, and access to activities on the lake that many local residents enjoy on a regular basis.  After learning that 22% of children in Franklin County and 13.2% of children in Bedford County are living below the poverty level, Striper Club members set out to plan an event that would “connect” underserved children with professional fishing guides for a day of fishing and fun with a little education included.  With the help of several "child-serving organization, the club was able to reach out to local families to offer an opportunity to participate in the 1st annual Reel Connections for Kids “Take a Kid Fishing” event.  On June 25, 2022, 16 underserved children and a guardian rode with 8 professional SML fishing guides to fish for Striped Bass, learn about water conservation, and form relationships with other anglers.  Due to the overwhelming success of the event, the club made the decision to create a stand-alone non-profit organization to better serve the community. Today, Reel Connections for Kids is an approved 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on connecting underserved kids in our communities with professional anglers that will share the information, tools, and skills that are needed for fishing, conservation, and water safety.  Reel Connections is also committed to helping participants develop long-term connections with the lake, each other, and RCK volunteers.

“The Mission of Reel Connections for Kids, Inc. is to provide opportunities for under-served children and their families to connect with fellow anglers, learn about fishing from a professional Smith Mountain Lake fishing guide, participate in enjoyable and educational fishing experiences, gain a useful skill, develop a lasting connection with the lake, gain an understanding of the need for conservation, and develop an appreciation for the need for safety on the water”.

In 2023 Reel Connections for Kids held two exciting events. The first was the 2nd annual Take a Kid fishing event on May 21st which provided 20 underserved children with an exciting morning out on the lake with professional Fishing guides, family members and volunteer chaperones.  Every child landed a fish; in fact, over 50 fish were caught in total.   Ryleigh, age 6, was proud to catch the largest fish in her boat.  Dillon caught a citation striper!  A’Santi and Lyric, on an “all-girl” boat, caught 3 fish each.   Isaiah, Elijah and Gabriel all enjoyed their first boat ride, and they were excited to catch fish on the lake. Volunteers back at the Crazy Horse Marina dock demonstrated how to clean the fish and every child was provided with fresh fish to take home, along with fish recipes.  In addition to hot dogs and burgers for lunch, every participating child was provided free-of-charge with a new fishing rod, an equipped tackle box, a Reel Connections for Kids t-shirt, and soft-sided cooler. The excitement, energy levels, broad smiles and laughter that filled the air that day were simply a joy to behold as many of these children had never been out on the lake much less caught a striped bass.

The second 2023 event was held in October 7th at the Discovery Center located at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.  On this day, 25 children & their families participated in an interactive talk given by a local Wildlife Biologist who explained the ecosystem in which fish live, along with a hands-on display of several species of commonly found fish in the lake.  After the presentation the children participated in a round robin of four, 30-minute hands-on fishing and safety related stations.  Each child painted their own fishing lure - the creativity and attention to detail were amazing! They spent time showing off their skills at the casting station – and reeling in the “big fish” which turned out to be a Striper Club volunteer.  They learned how to tie various knots used in fishing – and grinned with pride as they held up their polymer knot.  Then were treated to a ride on the SML fireboat.  The children and their family members had a terrific time interacting with one another while being outdoors and just having fun.  At the end of the morning, lunch was provided for all and each child received a Reel Connections for Kids hoodie.

 The Reel Connections for Kids Board of Directors is thrilled with the success of the events that have been provided to this point.  However, the Board is aware that there is so much more that can be accomplished, such as fishing opportunities for veterans and children, additional skill-focused workshops, accommodations for young anglers with disabilities, lifetime fishing licenses, and scholarships for students that seek to pursue an education related to conservation and environmental protection.