During the month of June, strict restrictions on meeting with our clientele were still in place.  One innovative way that I found to connect youth in Pulaski County was to host a Cane Pole Fishing Project from June 18^th-21^st (June 18^th is National Go Fishing Day).  At first, kits were going to cost $10.00 per child.  After searching, I was able to acquire the supplies at almost no cost thanks to the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife and my very own parents.  The cane poles were collected from my parent’s farm and the hooks, bobbers were provided by the KDFW.  KDFW also gave 12 fishing pole combo kits that could be given away as prizes.  Prizes for most fish caught, largest fish and smallest fish were awarded. The kits also included three recipes from the Cook Wild Kentucky initiative.  This project was a true field to fork experience.

Registration to receive the kits was completed using a Qualtrics survey.  There were 34 youth that registered and 30 kits were picked up from the office.  Of those 30, 12 youth reported back the amount fish they caught and the length/weight of them.  A grand total of 119 fish were caught with 4-H cane poles with 28 being the most fish caught by one individual.

This project was a success for the Pulaski County 4-H program.  Although only 12 youth reported catching fish with their cane poles, all received the materials to make one and learned how to assemble a cane pole.  The feedback received from parents was great.  A few quotes from parents:

• “The first few, my husband had to help her with and hold the line because she was scared. Before it was over she was doing it herself.” -parent of a 5 year female participant 
• “We had fun today!! Thanks for planning this awesome activity!!!” –parent of two participants ages 5 and 12
• “They had fun fishing with their cane poles! Thank you!” – parent of two participants ages 15 and 18
• “They had a blast!”- parent of two participants ages 10 and 6

During COVID-19, Pulaski County 4-H has been able to reach several new participants and families.  Of the 30 youth that received their kits, 12 (6 different families) were new to 4-H (outside of school visits).  The pandemic may have limited face-to-face programming, but it has not stopped the growth of the Pulaski County 4-H program.  I hope that I can keep this momentum up and build off of it in the next program year.