About The Los Angeles Rod & Reel Club Foundation
The Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club Foundation is dedicated to children’s fishing, veterans fishing, conservation of the resources, and the preservation of sportfishing. Since 1951, the Foundation has planned, arranged and funded charitable and youth activities, and in 2016 implemented a veterans fishing program to help veterans with service related disabilities.. The Foundation encourages and financially supports research and educational programs that will ensure the future of recreational angling.
Fishing programs sponsored by the Foundation provide children in need with the opportunity to participate in recreational fishing. Our annual outing for special needs children occurs at Hansen Dam. The children enjoy a refreshing day outdoors, catch some fish (stocked by the Foundation), have a barbeque lunch and are delighted by the annual special guest appearance from a Forestry employee costumed as Smokey the Bear. The veterans fishing program is part of the recreational therapy for the West Los Angeles and Long Beach Veterans Administration facilities
Providing local saltwater fishing experiences for disadvantaged kids and at-risk children on multiple trips on local party boats out of Los Angeles landings is as rewarding for the volunteers as the youthful participants. The Foundation fully pays for the boats, equipment and food provided to the participants. For some of the children, this is the first time that they have seen the ocean. For some veterans this is their first-time fishing, and for all the veterans, it offers a day of comradery and new experiences on the ocean.
Scholarships provided to California State University Long Beach undergraduate and graduate students have helped to provide marine biology research relevant and pertinent to local sportfishing issues. The Foundation has been able to assist other organizations that take kids fishing or are dedicated to preserving the ocean and its living creatures as a sustainable resource for all to enjoy.
The Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, funded by donations from club members, outside individuals and fund-raising activities. The Foundation has an annual fund-raising auction during the last Sunday in February. Donations to this critical fund-raising event come from organizations and individuals who understand the need for children to be mentored and educated in ways not necessarily available in the classroom. Contribution can be made in any form. Gift Certificates and/or products have been popular forms of donation.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club Foundation is to provide children in need with the opportunity to participate in recreational fishing through the various fishing programs sponsored by the Foundation.
The Foundation provides these opportunities to encourage and support future generations of anglers. When introducing youth to the enjoyment of the sport, the adult volunteers at these programs set high standards for sportsmanship while teaching the youngsters both the skills and the ethics of sport fishing
The Foundation encourages and financially supports research and educational programs that will ensure the future of recreational angling.
