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Too little time, busy schedules and fewer access opportunities are threatening Michigan’s fishing heritage as fewer residents seem to participate in the pastime each year, a trend state Rep. David Palsrok hopes can be reversed if active anglers include friends and family in outings.

“People today don’t always have the fishing opportunities that were available in the past, lifestyles have changed with technology advancements and there just never seems to be enough time in a day to get everything done,” said Palsrok, an avid fisherman and chair of the House Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use and Environment Committee.  “But taking the time to go fishing, especially with a friend or your child, is a great stress-reliever and way to relax about the challenges of daily life.”

Palsrok said there are currently two programs aimed at spreading the enjoyment of fishing to others, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ PROJECT GO - Get Outdoors, a general effort to increase participation in all outdoor recreation activities including fishing, and

the Anglers’ Legacy Pledge, sponsored by the national The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, takemefishing.org.

Palsrok and more than a dozen additional Michigan lawmakers made the pledge as part of the recent Michigan Legislature Sportsmen’s Caucus Second Annual Great Lakes Charter Boat Fishing Outing on Lake Michigan.

Becoming an Anglers’ Legacy ambassador includes a pledge to at least once a year take an acquaintance fishing; to share the patience, skills, knowledge and equipment; and to help the first-time angler to understand and appreciate what fishing is all about.

“It’s all about giving back to others what someone once shared with you to start your enjoyment of fishing,” Palsrok said.  “You’re just promising to share your interest with someone – a family member, co-worker a neighbor – whoever it may be.”

The takemefishing.org Web site has many fishing and boating tips, as well as a page to post fishing photos and stories.  Signing the pledge includes the opportunity to receive further takemefishing.org information on upcoming activities and events of interest.