AGFC – $1,000 to Youth Fishing Clubs

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is offering up to $1,000 to youth fishing clubs for completing a habitat project in their home waters to help improve fishing opportunities on their home lakes. AGFC’s Black Bass Program enables any fishing tournament organization affiliated with an Arkansas junior high, high school, or college to apply for an award ranging from $500 to $1,000 for building and sinking brush piles or engaging in other habitat improvements in Arkansas lakes. Jeff Buckingham, Black Bass Program biologist says, “There’s no requirement on what the funds are spent on to help the team.” It can be used for the habitat project, or the team can be resourceful and find free materials to use as habitat and keep the money to offset tournament expenses, pay for team jerseys. This is a 2 fold opportunity. In addition to creating possible tournament-winning hotspots, these habitat projects can help the fishery. With additional ambush cover, predator fish such as bass and crappie are able to catch their prey using less energy, which can translate into better growth rates in the long run. Additionally, the small spaces in complex brush piles can be shelter for many young-of-the-year fish and baitfish to keep the fishery’s future bright. For more information or to apply for a youth tournament fishing organization habitat project grant visit AGFC.com