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 thrown in.  With the help of several local organizations, the club was able to recruit participants for the 1st annual Reel Connections for Kids “Take a Kid Fishing” event.  On June 25, 2022, 16 registered 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 a 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on connecting underserved kids in our communities with hands-on experiences that provide the equipment, 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”.

 Since our inaugural year, Reel Connections has focused on holding two fun and exciting events per year.   The first event takes place in May or June - the Take a Kid Fishing Day, which provides children ages 8 to 12 with an exciting morning out on the lake with Professional Fishing Guides, family members and volunteer chaperones.  Every effort is made to ensure that each child catches at least one fish.   Volunteers demonstrate how to clean the fish, and every child gets a cooler filled with fresh fish to take home for dinner, along with recipes.  Every participating child receives a new fishing rod, an equipped tackle box, a Reel Connections for Kids t-shirt, and soft-sided cooler.   Plus, lunch is provided for all participants and volunteers.  The second event takes place each year in September or October at the Discovery Center located at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.  This is our ReConnect event, which reunites our participants and their families for a fun day that includes a rotation of four fish-related stations:  lure painting, knot tying, casting at targets, and riding in a fire boat.  At this event, each child receives a Reel Connections for Kids hoodie.  And, of course, a hot lunch is served before participants and families are invited to remain at the state park for the afternoon and fish with rods and bait provided by RCK.

Through these events, RCK has encouraged many young anglers to develop a connection with fishing, the lake, RCK volunteers, and other children that understand the joys and benefits of fishing.  However, 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.   With the assistance of our wonderful Smith Mountain Lake Community, RCK will continue to grow and develop programs and activities that benefit children and families that otherwise would not have access to these opportunities.  Thank you so much for your support!