Donating Gear

[papajoe222]

Every year around this time, I make a donation to  http://www.fishingoutreachprogram.com and seeing young gunsndrums1 post reminded me just how much a small donation to a person or charity can mean, not only for them but for this great sport in general. I've posted a link to my favorite site and I'm asking that you do the same.  There are many worthy causes that don't have a web site, but I'm encouraging you to stick to web sites.  I truly believe many of the members here would not hesitate to make a small tackle or monetary donation to a site that they could search out first.  The only thing that could take away from that good feeling you get when helping someone is to know that you were scammed.

The more web sites we see, the more others will have to choose from and you'll also be letting your fellow members know that you care about others and one of our favorite pass times.

[papajoe222]

For some reason, part of the link didn't come through on my post.  If you're interested just key in fishingoutreachprogram.com/Home

[Felix77]

http://mikeiaconelli.com/ikefoundation/index.php

[Fishes in trees]

When it comes to "charity" - feel like I do my part -given my current income level.  I do the United Way payroll deduction, slip $20 or so into the red buckets every Christmas.  Occasionally I will buy raffle tickets or dinner tickets if approached by someone I know.  Stuff like that.

 

"Toys" are different from "charity"     And let's be clear, fishing tackle qualifies as "toys".   Toys that in some way one has worked for or sacrificed for in some manner are taken care of, respected if you will.

Toys that are free - not so much.  No "skin in the game" if you will.   That's why I don't give away fishing gear any more.  It has more meaning to me, even if it is gathering dust in my fishing shed (which I also sacrificed to build) than it would to someone else should I give it away "free".

 

Just my opinion on the subject, but one that is unlikely to change.

[Brnnoser6983]

When it comes to "charity" - feel like I do my part -given my current income level. I do the United Way payroll deduction, slip $20 or so into the red buckets every Christmas. Occasionally I will buy raffle tickets or dinner tickets if approached by someone I know. Stuff like that.

"Toys" are different from "charity" And let's be clear, fishing tackle qualifies as "toys". Toys that in some way one has worked for or sacrificed for in some manner are taken care of, respected if you will.

Toys that are free - not so much. No "skin in the game" if you will. That's why I don't give away fishing gear any more. It has more meaning to me, even if it is gathering dust in my fishing shed (which I also sacrificed to build) than it would to someone else should I give it away "free".

Just my opinion on the subject, but one that is unlikely to change.

I don't think I can agree. Fishing gear is considered a non necessity. It isn't really a toy but a tool.

With that said, I think it is important that kids be shown fishing, and gives that child an out. I think the saying goes, "if a child busy, there is no time for them to get in trouble"... or something like that.

Showing them young also teaches kids the proper ideas of fishing. The idea of CPR, land conservation, and how to protect that land from invasive species.

So.. in your definition of a toy.. doesn't every child deserve a toy, and be shown how to properly care for their things?

[papajoe222]

My outlook is a little different, but similar.  I donate to those in need of the gear, those that are just starting out. Be it veterans, children, or just someone that never had the opportunity to enjoy the sport.  The charities I donate gear to are those with the same objective. 

On a personal note, I always gift a rod and tackle box to any child I take fishing for their first time. I have the means to do so and I've found that many of the adults I did that for as children still have that rod and reel, though most have replaced the small tackle box with something larger.

["hamma"]

On 3/15/2015 at 10:59 AM, papajoe222 said:

My outlook is a little different, but similar.  I donate to those in need of the gear, those that are just starting out. Be it veterans, children, or just someone that never had the opportunity to enjoy the sport.  The charities I donate gear to are those with the same objective. 

On a personal note, I always gift a rod and tackle box to any child I take fishing for their first time. I have the means to do so and I've found that many of the adults I did that for as children still have that rod and reel, though most have replaced the small tackle box with something larger.

  Kudos to you Papajoe222, its a honorable and commendable act of kindness that you present,... and should be rewarded. I hope your fishing season next year is not only successful, but plentiful, and satisfying,....

  I cant do much, but have some extra's, that I offer when the opportunity presents itself, its small, but something. I will do what I can to get this stuff to them

[Choporoz]

I give to Heroes on the Water.  (Mostly I give my time, but I will also provide gear, if I have surplus of anything they can use.)

The gear goes to the chapter, not 'given' to individuals, so I think most of @Fishes in trees concerns aren't at issue.

HOW, and there are a few other similar orgs, revolves around outings where we take veterans and their families kayak fishing for a day or a weekend.  So, if you feel cash strapped, but would like to 'give', consider giving of some of your time.

[fishwizzard]

4 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I give to Heroes on the Water.  (Mostly I give my time, but I will also provide gear, if I have surplus of anything they can use.)

The gear goes to the chapter, not 'given' to individuals, so I think most of @Fishes in trees concerns aren't at issue.

HOW, and there are a few other similar orgs, revolves around outings where we take veterans and their families kayak fishing for a day or a weekend.  So, if you feel cash strapped, but would like to 'give', consider giving of some of your time.

I just gave them a pile of old rods that were cluttering up my little "den" and a tackle box full of random stuff I bought during my initial "fishing is awesome!" phase.  Even now I cannot resist buying a ton of crap during the winter flea-markets, so it's nice that someone (other then the seller) benefits from my poor impulse control.   

I did slip a Clackin Crayfish into the box and I feel a little bad about that.  

 

[papajoe222]

One of the many joys in my life that I can repeat on a regular basis, is to see a child"s face light up with joy. Seeing their face light up when they catch their first fish is one way I can do that.

[Lasher]

Does anyone know of a charity or organization that takes donated fishing equipment and tackle and gives it to underprivileged youth?  Instead of throwing away older lures, I would much rather see it go to kid who could catch a fish.  Thank for any help.

[Choporoz]

I remain involved with Heroes on The Water, and I think your local chapter might be interested.  As far as youth, I have donated to Tackle the Storm in the past, but I'm not sure if they're still an active charity.  You could send a note to Don Barone and see if he's still accepting and donating gear to kids;

"don dot barone @ tacklethestormfoundation dot org "

[LadiMopar]

29 minutes ago, Lasher said:

Does anyone know of a charity or organization that takes donated fishing equipment and tackle and gives it to underprivileged youth?  Instead of throwing away older lures, I would much rather see it go to kid who could catch a fish.  Thank for any help.

 

The Ike Foundation: https://theikefoundation.org

Cast for Kids: http://castforkids.org

NC Wildlife Resource Commission: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing/Learn-Resources/Programs/TLP  (not kid specific, but a rod/reel tackle free loan program)

Take a kid fishing: http://www.takf.net/Donate.html

 

Also, check out your local Sportsmen's clubs. Most have charitable fishing events for kids, vets and folks with special needs and they can always use extra gear, and hands to volunteer.

 

Hope this helps.

[Lasher]

1 minute ago, LadiMopar said:

 

The Ike Foundation: https://theikefoundation.org

Cast for Kids: http://castforkids.org

NC Wildlife Resource Commission: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing/Learn-Resources/Programs/TLP  (not kid specific, but a rod/reel tackle free loan program)

Take a kid fishing: http://www.takf.net/Donate.html

 

Also, check out your local Sportsmen's clubs. Most have charitable fishing events for kids, vets and folks with special needs and they can always use extra gear, and hands to volunteer.

 

Hope this helps.

Thanks

[Ratherbfishing]

4 hours ago, Lasher said:

Does anyone know of a charity or organization that takes donated fishing equipment and tackle and gives it to underprivileged youth?  Instead of throwing away older lures, I would much rather see it go to kid who could catch a fish.  Thank for any help.

Do people REALLY throw away old lures?

 

Sorry, can't help you with your question but throwing away old lures....?  It can't be!

[papajoe222]

Thanks Lasher for breathing life back into this thread.  BPS  here I come. On second thought, I can order online and just have it shipped to my favorite charity.

[Lasher]

After some searching, it looks like the only way to donate gear is through the local events, which there are none that close to me.  I know all these organizations need money, but I think it would be nice if you could ship or drop off old gear and it somehow be distributed to the kids.  Anyway I will see what I can do, just hate throwing away stuff when I know some kid would like to have it.

[LadiMopar]

3 hours ago, Lasher said:

After some searching, it looks like the only way to donate gear is through the local events, which there are none that close to me.  I know all these organizations need money, but I think it would be nice if you could ship or drop off old gear and it somehow be distributed to the kids.  Anyway I will see what I can do, just hate throwing away stuff when I know some kid would like to have it.

 

Take a kid fishing does accept gear year round via your preferred shipping method, or direct from retail/manufacturers. All they ask is you email in advance of your donation.

 

Used Fishing Equipment. Want to donate your used fishing equipment, please send us an e-mail with a list of things you would like to donate and we will let you know the details.

[Smalls]

I live right down the street from a few of my spots. There’s a group of young kids I see constantly fishing. Stopped to talk to them once and they seemed to be very nice young gentlemen. They all had “well used” gear. One had a broken rod tip, one barely any line, etc. 

 

Told em all to wait there, I’d be back in about 20 minutes. Brought back a spool of line, a tip kit, and a ziplock of random soft plastics. 

 

They lived a few miles away in a rougher part of town, couldn’t really afford new gear. Did whatever I could to at least get em set up, and they were very thankful.

 

Saw their mother pick em up one day, and she stopped to thank me, offered to reimburse me. I told her watching them catch a bass was all the reimbursement that I needed, and that they were good kids, I was glad they had a hobby to keep em off the streets. 

[Shimano_1]

I have a young friend that loves to bass fish but doesn't make a lot of money. Basically anything I've came across that I've deemed an impulse buy that hasn't seen much use...now resides in his tackle box. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but it makes way more sense to me to see a guy use and enjoy it than see it sitting in a drawer collecting dust! Seems like something that kinda speaks of one's character.  Rather than chalking it up as a waste of money i chalk it up as a contribution to our sport and to someone a little less fortunate than I! Kudos to anyone that gives to any charity simply to help people!

[LadiMopar]

On 2/24/2018 at 9:59 PM, Smalls said:

They lived a few miles away in a rougher part of town, couldn’t really afford new gear. Did whatever I could to at least get em set up, and they were very thankful.

 

Bravo! Smalls and Shimano1.  It's always heartwarming to hear these stories, and reminds me of my own humble beginnings when I had what I called the "friendship tackle box", filled with gear that was given to me for similar reasons. 

 

Grateful that today I can afford to pay it forward , and contribute to other "friendship tackle boxes".

[burrows]

I know this is going to come off as really tasteless but I’m also excepting donated lures send them my way:)