Our featured Angler for August is Virginia B.A.S.S. Youth Director John Britton

John doing what he does best - helping out our youth.

Virginia BASS Federation Youth Director John Britton is currently a member of two Federation clubs, Woodbridge Bass Anglers and Shenandoah Valley Bass Association, and may join another the first of next year, but he has only managed to fish one club tournament and two region tournaments in 2001. Don't be mistaken....Britton fishes at least two or three days every week, but while he loves tournament fishing, his real passion is introducing children to the sport, and helping them to develop their angling skills.

Even though Britton downplays his sacrifices, he is one of the rare individuals who gives up his own personal fishing time in order to benefit others, both children and the Virginia Federation as a whole.

Britton, a 41 year-old electrical technician for the Architect of the Capitol, was born in Arlington and raised in Fairfax and lives in Marshall with his wife Cheryl, daughter Jennifer, two sons, Eric and Shawn and last but not least his grandson he calls Steve. He started fishing at an early age, with his father being the president of a local Izaak Walton chapter in Centreville. Additionally, a Boy Scout master gave him the opportunity to be in the outdoors and fish any time he could, with the encouragement of his parents, John and Marie.

As an adult, he became active in a variety of youth-oriented activities. He coached and managed youth basketball and baseball teams. In recent years, however, he has combined his love of bass fishing with his strong desire to help young people.

When Region 1 split into two regions at the end of 1999, Britton volunteered to become the Region 9 youth coordinator. Shortly thereafter, at the Childrens Miracle Network tournament on the Potomac, Federation President Roger Fitchett, recognizing Britton's talents and commitment, asked Britton to take over the effort at the state level.

Since taking over as the Federation's Youth Coordinator, Britton has quickly expanded the number of youth events to the point where he "can barely keep up with it all." The state currently has approximately 50 CastingKids events, over 30 other youth fishing events, and 15 to 20 educational programs. Among the programs, Britton contributes to Lake Orange Bassmasters with their support of Orange High School youth fishing club. This is our first established youth club for the Virginia Federation through BASS.

Britton continues to eye enhancements to the state's youth programs, seeking to rapidly grow the number of youth chapters. In fact, he is already planning to hold a youth championship on Lake Anna next year. When this interviewer questioned his choice of the "Dead Sea" for the tournament site, Britton showed forethought when he made clear that the kids will catch fish, but more importantly, "there's no safer body of water in the state for them."

For the future, Britton would like to develop the youth program to the point where "we don't have to ask for help." As adult members realize how enjoyable it can be to help a child catch a fish and "see the smile on his face," he believes he will have no trouble growing the program.

Of particular interest to Britton are charity tournaments involving underprivileged children, and children with asthma or cancer. He envisions his efforts as something along the lines of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. "If a kid wants to go fishing," he says, "we're there for him."

In all likelihood, each of you in the Federation had someone — be it your father, grandfather, a kindly neighbor, or someone else — who took you under his wing and taught you the basic skills and responsibilities of bass fishing. Not every child has such a mentor, however. Accordingly, the youth program is a critical component of our sport. Without young people who understand how to be responsible stewards for our resources, we will have no fish left to pursue. Furthermore, Britton's efforts could possibly turn the tide for at-risk or otherwise deprived children. While not everyone can be expected to extend themselves to the extent that John has, it is incumbent upon each of us to make an effort. Selfless efforts such as those of John Britton need to be expressly recognized and emulated.

If you have the desire or time and wish to find out how you can assist with the youth program, please contact your region youth coordinators or contact John directly at 540-364-3502 or at jjbrittjr@hotmail.com