Hooked on Fishing

About Hooked on Fishing

Hooked on Fishing is an opportunity for ages 5-17 to embrace the outdoors while participating and learning about all things fishing!

The program became available through the Light Foundation’s Leadership Academy in 2022 when they were asked to take on the Darke County tradition that was started by community members and originally named, Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs! The original founder was John Winger who had a love for fishing, a passion for youth, and a very giving heart. Later, he joined forces with Darke County Sheriff’s D.A.R.E. Officer, Donald Drew Senior, and local avid anger Bob Farmer, and with the support of many like minded volunteers and supporters they sailed the program for over 14 years!

Light Leaders is a mentoring program for ages 13-17, which entails teaching the younger generation how to fish while building positive self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills. Ages 5-12 will learn from the Light Leaders and other local fishermen so they can begin to master the outdoor sport too!