One of the best ways to start hunting or fishing is to find a mentor to serve as a guide. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is rewarding youth who want to try fishing with a mentor by opening a statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day in 2014. The youth fishing day will give young anglers an opportunity to fish without competition from adults, reports Tom Venesky for Outdoor News.

WINTER-WEATHER-HELPS-ANGLERS-TACKLE-TROUT_frontimagecrop Photo by Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism

About the only harm that can result from an inexperienced child with a fishing pole in his hands is perhaps a few snagged lines. I think we can all live with that… And best of all, a concept that started out as a good idea but limited to one part of the state, will soon be enjoyed by children everywhere. Kids and fishing? It’s something that doesn’t need to be restricted.

Photos: Wyoming Game and Fish (top); Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (above)