Our Approach
Fishing is the vehicle. Mentorship is the mission.
The REEL Project brings fishing and outdoor recreation together with mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities to care for the places we enjoy. Each part has a role: the outdoors provides the setting, fishing gives participants a shared focus, the group creates connection, mentors offer guidance, and learning and service help turn the experience into practical skills and responsibility.
Green Space
Time outdoors can offer a change of setting and a chance to step away from everyday surroundings. Research suggests these environments may support mental well-being.
Blue Space
Being near water can provide a setting for quiet, focus, and reflection. Studies have found an association between blue spaces and positive focus.
1
OUTDOORS AND WATER
The natural environment serves as the foundation for transition and discovery.
3
GROUP AND MENTORSHIP
A welcoming group creates opportunities for connection, teamwork, and positive use of time. Mentors offer guidance and encouragement during shared activities.
2
FISHING AND SKILL-BUILDING
Fishing gives participants a shared, hands-on activity. Learning skills such as casting, tying knots, identifying fish, and water safety can give participants practical experience and visible ways to recognize their progress.
4
STEWARDSHIP AND SERVICE
Learning to respect natural resources and care for shared spaces connects outdoor recreation with responsibility and community contribution.
Access Matters
Fishing can involve barriers such as equipment, transportation, permits, and not knowing where to begin. The REEL Project works to make outdoor experiences and fishing knowledge more accessible.
Explore the Research
Research informs the way The REEL Project designs its experiences. Findings from outside studies are not proof of outcomes achieved by The REEL Project.
What research says about recreational fishing
Research suggests that recreational fishing can provide opportunities for positive youth development and connection to nature.
Source: American Fisheries Society
Why outdoor settings and green space matter
Studies have found an association between time in green spaces and reduced stress levels.
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives
The role of group activities and belonging
Participation in structured group activities may support a sense of social belonging and identity.
Source: Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Our Approach
Fishing is the vehicle. Mentorship is the mission.
The REEL Project brings fishing and outdoor recreation together with mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities to care for the places we enjoy. The outdoors provides the setting while fishing gives participants a shared focus. Group connection and guidance from mentors help turn the experience into practical skills and responsibility.
Why This Approach Matters
Positive outdoor experiences can make room for connection, reflection, learning, and contribution. The REEL Project’s approach is informed by research on fishing, time in nature and near water, structured group activities, mentorship, learning new skills, and volunteering.
The Elements of Our Approach
These elements often show up in REEL Project activities.
Outdoor and Water Settings
Fishing and Skill-Building
Group Connection and Mentorship
Stewardship and Community Service
Access
and Opportunity
Time outdoors and near water can offer a change of setting and space for calm, focus, and reflection.
Fishing gives participants something hands-on to learn and practice. Skills may include equipment basics, knots, casting, and fish identification.
A welcoming group creates opportunities for belonging and teamwork. Mentors provide guidance and encouragement during shared activities.
Respecting natural resources and caring for shared spaces connect outdoor recreation with responsibility and community contribution.
The REEL Project works to reduce barriers such as equipment and transportation so more people can safely try fishing.
How the Pieces Work Together
This is the approach that guides The REEL Project. While not every activity includes every element, this flow describes how our program pieces work together to create impact.
Access
Experience
Learning
Support
Contribution
Research That Informs Our Approach
- The program is informed by research. Studies have found positive associations in the following areas:
- Recreational fishing
- Outdoor recreation and green space
- Group activities and belonging
- Mentorship
- Learning new skills and peer teaching
- Time near water and blue space
- Volunteering and community service