Articles In the News About I’m Hooked, Inc.

• The Columbian –
  “Fish and Wildlife, nonprofit team up to get kids hooked on fishing. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffers and volunteers teamed up with I’m Hooked, Inc., to bring more than 200 kids fishing at a private residence in Vancouver on July 22. I’m Hooked, a Portland-based nonprofit which works to bring educational and recreational activities to children and families, supplied the fishing gear, casting clinic and provided many volunteers. “
• Pamplin Media –
  “Hagg Lake, other state parks to host weekend celebrations for individuals and families.”
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service –
  “Wil Warren, co-founder and Executive Director of I’m Hooked Inc., likes to tell the story of his father taking him fishing when he was a boy. The smell of the air, the quiet of the morning, and the thrill of catching a fish — these wonderful memories are what Wil wanted to pass on to the next generation. He began in 1989 by connecting 50 youth to fishing at a one-day event at Henry Hagg Lake. As it strides toward its 30th anniversary, the I’m Hooked Free Youth & Family Fishing Weekend is now a two-day event — the first weekend every June — that attracts more than 1,200 youth and their families.”
• Tualatin Life –
  “Nearly 500 children ages 6 to 18 attend this yearly event, which utilizes 25 boats, hundreds of adult supervisors and volunteers. Children are provided with rods, reels, life vests, snacks and training for the event. Wil Warren of I’m Hooked, Inc began the non-profit in 1988 as a way to build relationships between adult mentors and children who need them most. The first year included 75 at-risk children from Portland. Following years expanded to include foster children and now the event offers registration to all children.”
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  “Children reel in free fish during a weekend event at Henry Hagg Lake near Gaston – Children from all over the tri-county area got ‘hooked’ last weekend during a free fishing event at Henry Hagg Lake near Gaston. Will Warren of I’m Hooked, Inc., a nonprofit based in Portland, headed the two-day event. Last weekend was its 24th year. Nearly 350 children ages 6 to 18 attended the event, which utilized 24 boats, 300 adult supervisors and about 100 volunteers. Children received rods, reels, life vests, snacks and training. The organization also gave away 50 free rods and reels each day.”
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service –
  “Hooked on Nature Through Fishing – The power of fishing to connect kids — and grown-ups — to the outdoors is evident in the gleaming faces of children hauling in their first catch and the adults saying, “It’s my turn.” Inner-city fishing opportunities aren’t abundant in Portland, but that doesn’t stop visionary partners from casting a line with kids anywhere they can find a small pond or some open grass. In that spirit, we continued to support Soul River’s Celebration of Wild Steelhead, a park-based event in North Portland that introduces kids to fly fishing. Year after year, it grows in attendance and partnerships. In 2016, we also got on board (or should we say outboard) with I’m Hooked Inc.’s 28-year-strong I’m Hooked event at Henry Hagg Lake that, through tremendous volunteer support, gets kids from the city out on the lake in boats to try and land that first big catch.”

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  “We wouldn’t be an Urban National Wildlife Refuge if it wasn’t for our visitors, volunteers, and partners. That’s why this event is celebrating YOU, our nature neighbors! We’re rolling out some fan-favorite nature activities fit for the whole family on Saturday, September 29th from 10am to 1pm, including Archery, hunting dog demonstrations, a fishing rod casting challenge, guided walks, kid-friendly nature education, crafts, and more. Event partners include The Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge; I’m Hooked, Inc.; Sylvan Archers; Hike It Baby; and Oregon Waterfowl Festival.”

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service –
  “A partnership between non-profit I’m Hooked Inc. and the Service resulted in a new outreach trailer that aims to teach fishing skills to future anglers. Novice and experienced anglers alike made their way to Henry Hagg Lake in Gaston, OR on June 2nd and 3rd for the 29th annual, I’m Hooked Youth and Family Fishing Weekend. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and I’m Hooked, Inc. co-hosted the event, which brought over 1,000 youth and their families out to the lake to fish — including the largest single-day turnout in the history of the event. That day, 24 volunteer boater-anglers took over 450 kids out on the lake for a 1-½ hour fishing excursion. Families also took advantage of the opportunity to fish from the bank.”