AUSTIN – The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the George H.W. Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund announced five Texas Parks and Wildlife Department partnered fishing organizations as grant recipients to help bring conservation, education and fishing and boating experiences to Hispanic families.

A total of $6,250 in grants were awarded to five fishing and boating programs in Texas, including Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Houston and Fishing’s Future chapters in Central Texas, Clear Lake/Galveston, Houston and South Padre Island. TPWD will fully-match the grant funds provided by the Education Fund, effectively bringing the total amount of funding to $12,500 for the 2017 round of grantees.

“As the Hispanic audience continues to gain significance and influence, it will be up to programs like the George H.W. Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund to engage this emerging audience,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We are encouraged by the work that has been done as a result of this fund so far and are excited to welcome a new round of grantees for 2017.”

Funds provided to these grantee organizations will enable them to organize programs that will introduce fishing and boating to youth and families, providing hands-on experiences to help develop their skills. TPWD assists these partners by providing certified angler and boating education and loaner fishing equipment, and by stocking rainbow trout and catfish seasonally to further enhance fishing opportunities in urban fishing environments and Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes.

To learn more about these grants and the organizations they help fund, visit https://www.takemefishing.org/educationfund/.