Kentucky offers prime fishing spots that can be found year-round across the state. These streams and lakes are home to bass, catfish, trout, sunfish, and more. Many people rely on local game to feed their families and save money on their grocery bill. Fish is part of a healthy diet. It is a great source of protein and is low in saturated fat. 

The Powell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered  with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Red River Pay Lake to host a Hook and Cook event targeting families. This allowed for an opportunity for families to spend time together while learning/practicing valuable life skills. Targeting the whole family rather than individuals was an effort to target a more diverse audience than would typically attend a Family and Consumer Sciences Extension program.  

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife provided fishing gear for the program, fishing guides/information for participants to take home, and fresh catfish to practice filleting. Families met at the Extension Office for a basic fishing course led by the ANR Agent. The FCS agent also led a live demonstration of the Cook Wild Baked Catfish with Dill Sauce recipe for the participants to sample. 

Afterward, participants headed over to Red River Pay Lake, located down the street, to practice their own fishing skills. Participants also had the opportunity to practice filleting a fresh catfish while at the pay lake.

• 35 participants joined in conversation over how to prepare wild game and demonstration of cooking the meat.  
• 100% stated that they had learned a new recipe and a new way to prepare their meat.  
• 80% stated that they would use information gained from the program to try a new recipe.