Physh Ed bolsters outdoors education

One of the ways the Future Fisherman Foundation aims to reconnect today's youth with the outdoors is through the Physh Ed National Fishing and Boating Grants Initiative.

Physh Ed provides grants to kindergarten through grade 12 teachers to implement fishing and boating units in their classrooms.

For the 2009-2010 school year, the Foundation plans to offer individual grants of $2,500 to qualified teachers. Grant monies can be used for fishing and boating equipment, field trips, curriculum materials and other resources to assist instructors in carrying out fishing, boating and conservation education activities. Grant recipients also receive an intensive week of training in fishing and boating techniques.

"Physh Ed is an excellent way for school-aged youth to gain hands-on experience with fishing and boating activities they can enjoy for a lifetime," said Anne Danielski, Future Fisherman Foundation executive director. "The school environment encourages the integration of the hands-on elements that fishing and boating lessons offer into other subject areas such as science and math."

Crystal Lake derby: The Crystal Lake Anglers hold their annual ice fishing derby Jan. 25. Advanced tickets are $5, $6 at the gate. The club didn't furnish a telephone number for more info.

Fishing report: Yes, you can still catch fish if you want to.

Fox Chain: Walleye action is decent during the evening hours on Petite Lake at 12-15 feet. Channel Lake bluegill and crappie activity is very good on the north end.

Shabbona Lake: Crappies and bluegills are the main species being caught.

Lake Michigan: Belmont Harbor is providing decent perch activity through the safe ice.

Wisconsin: Once again the harbors in and close to Milwaukee continue to provide good rainbow and brown trout fishing through the ice.

Mike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at angler@mikejacksonoutdoors.com, and you can catch his radio program 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.