Collegiate and high school bass fishing have seen a remarkable surge in popularity over the past decade. The Student Angler Federation (https://highschoolfishing.org/) estimates there are over 2,500 high school bass teams or clubs in the U.S. participating in their programs, and approximately 45,000 active students in those clubs, circuits, and regional trails. Some sources estimate the existence of as many as 1,200 more teams and competitive clubs at the collegiate level. This growing interest in outdoor activities among our youth is a promising sign for the future. New York supports this expanding movement with initiatives such as free fishing days, which help parents discover the outdoors through the fun of fishing.

Next week, on Saturday, Sept. 27, we will experience the next “Free Fishing Day” in New York state. This free fishing day is special because it coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a celebration of the incredible angling and outdoor opportunities in our state. National Hunting and Fishing Day was designated by Congress in 1972. The day helps encourage people of all ages to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation, as well as the abundant natural resources, while also recognizing hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. No fishing rod? No problem. DEC partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Along with borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This program offers an opportunity for folks to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear.

Local libraries that provide free fishing gear rentals include these: Dunkirk Public Library (716-366-2511); Falconer Public Library (716-665-3504); James Prendergast Library Association in Jamestown (716-484-7135); Lakewood Memorial Library (716-763-6234); the Mary E. Seymour Memorial Library in Cassadaga (716-595-3323); the Mayville Library (716-753-7362); and the Myers Memorial Library in Frewsburg (716-569-5515).

For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing (https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/learn-to-fish#Guides) provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations.

In high school clay target matches, Taylor Trulin, left, and Erik Galuski, right, hold their perfect 25 out of 25 patches at the West Falls Conservation Society trap fields. Photo courtesy of Larry Galuski

The final free fishing day for 2025 will take place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. This will be another wonderful opportunity for New York residents and nonresidents alike to enjoy the outdoors and fish for free without a fishing license. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish ($25 annual cost).

Another invaluable program that helps our youth get started in the fun and responsibility of the outdoors is the USA Clay Target League program. This program, which teaches responsible firearm safety through team participation in clay target shooting competitions, is designed to be safe and accessible to all. The fall season is underway for 16,841 student-athletes participating across the country. Those athletes are competing on 1,109 high school, college and homeschool teams nationwide, supported by over 11,200 coaches, team staff and other volunteers.

“The league provides schools with the opportunity to give their students a place to develop their confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional sports. Clay target shooting sports are accessible to everyone, and the opportunity to participate on their school’s team influences athletes’ lives for the better,” said John Nelson, president of the USACTL.

The league’s priorities are safety, fun and marksmanship — in that order. The league is the safest sport in school, with not one reported injury since the inception of the league in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation. Multiple high schools in Chautauqua County and Erie County are part of this program. Visit http://usaclaytarget.com for more information.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Sept. 20: NYS Hunter Education, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Falconer Rod & Gun Club, Rod & Gun Club Road, Falconer.; Visit: https://dec.ny.gov.

Sept. 20: NYS Hunter Education, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., lunch provided, Bear Lake Rod & Gun, 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road, Stockton; Visit: https://dec.ny.gov. Info: Rudy Abersold, 716-397-9717.

Sept. 20: Steelhead Angler Event, Hairy Trout Fall Run Kickoff, Buffalo River Grove, 2-7 p.m., 2299 Clinton St., West Seneca; $15 entry, visit The Hairy Trout (barber shop and tackle shop), 3891 Seneca St., for tickets.

Sept. 20: 1-Day Walleye Derby, Lake Erie, $45 entry, Southtowns Walleye, Paul Sanchez, 716-228-6520

Sept. 20: Reinstein Woods 25th annual Fall Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Celebrate all things nature. Crafts for kids, live animals, hands-on activities, food, and more. No registration required; 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, 716-683-5959.

Sept. 20: 50-Bird Youth Trap Shoot, Attica Rod & Gun Club, $10, 2125 Route 98, Varysburg, Info: Andrea Barrett, 716-253-0890.

Sept. 21: NYS Bowhunter Education Course, Northern Chautauqua Con Club, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., FREE, Visit: https://dec.ny.gov — must have homework completed; contact Gary: 716-366-3397.

Sept. 21: Blood Tracking Seminar, Deer Search of WNY, at Hawkeye Bowmen, 13300 Clinton St., Alden, 2-4 p.m. Open to all hunters. Free.