Describe the Issue or Situation: In Hardin County, a large portion of our population has no experience with harvesting their own food. Hunting and fishing are an essential form of food supply for another portion of our county. This collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources could appeal to both audiences. Agriculture Natural Resources Agents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and employees of the KDFWR partnered together to host the three part series Hook and Cook.

The series was promoted on social media and in newsletters, as well as through the KDFWR. 23 people registered for the three night series. Agents expected most participants to be of rural background. On night one, we were surprised to realize that a large majority were urban residents who had never heard of or utilized Extension programs before. 

For the first lesson, participants engaged in learning about where and how to fish, how to tie knots, and the basics of fishing. 

For the second lesson, participants learned how to filet their own fish. Through hands on practice with fish brought in by KDFWR, each participant had the chance to use a filet knife and cut into a fish. Knife safety and food safety were discussed, and then the FCS agent made two Cook Wild Kentucky recipes. Recipes, food safety, canning fish, and nutrition were discussed, and then participants were able to sample the recipes. They loved the dill sauce! Participants then went to the parking lot and practiced casting and reeling in. 

For the last lesson, participants met out our local public lake where they were able to put their skills to use and fish. Participants reported learning about fishing, basic safety, knot tying, and cooking and preserving fish. They reported enjoying the experience and being interested in coming to more Extension programs. 

Since this program in summer of 2024, some participants have returned to the Extension Office for future programs. This program led a new audience to us and allowed us to create a relationship with them that has since led to more education and positive outcomes.

One young mom and son attended the program and the mom said she learned to fish as a child and always went with her father and made the best memories. She was interested in attending the program and bringing her son, as he normally plays a lot of video games and she was looking to get him more active and interested in other outdoor activities. By the last lesson the son reported that he felt more confident to go fish with his mom and that he looked forward to fishing more. They later reported that they had fished together and created some special family memories. Though agents did not expect this program to relate to positive family relationships, bonding did occur for this pair both during the program and after. 

Another family attended with multiple members with the desire to learn more not only to have fun, but to be able to supplement their diet. They were looking to save money and eat better and thought fishing might allow that. They learned through the education portion of the series that they could! And then through the practical hands on portion, they gained the skills and confidence to fish better and catch more. 

Another family came looking for tips and tricks. They fish at their family pond that they know is well stocked, and they were looking for tips on how to catch more fish. They reported being happy with what they learned. 

All participants enjoyed taking many more of the Cook Wild recipes that were offered. 

The series was so popular and well liked that we are bringing it back again for June of 2025!