Gather ‘round gills and boys, the I’m Hooked family fishing day is set for May 7 in Federal Way. This year is the fourth annual event.

For the past three years, the Oregon-based nonprofit I’m Hooked has partnered with local agencies and individuals in Federal Way to support a family fishing activity.

“I did not know the importance of getting outdoors when I was a kid, until now when I’ve done my research on mental health and mindfulness,” said Wilbert Warren, founder and CEO of I’m Hooked.

Education, mindfulness and family engagement are at the core of the annual fishing day at Steel Lake Park, he said.

Growing up, Warren’s father often worked swing or graveyard shifts during the week, and on Sundays, his father served as a church pastor. Saturday mornings were a special time for them to go fishing together and bond.

I’m Hooked uses fishing as a platform to reach urban youth, giving them an alternative to negative influences they may encounter in daily life, according to the organization.

The May 7 event teaches youth about fish biology, nature conservation and outdoor recreation. Youth are taught safety protocols, learn about the life cycle of salmon, improve map reading skill and more.

Additional activities include bird house building at the nature art station and a fitness and wellness station, where youth learn stretching techniques and how to relax in nature — listening to the birds, the water and practising breathing techniques.

“We’re teaching them that when they get outdoors, it is so, so, so important to let whatever is going on with you, to let it go,” Warren said.

I’m Hooked instills an appreciation for nature conservation, restoration, and education. The mission concentrates in four areas: Mentoring, community, education, and service.

Started in 2017, I’m Hooked began by establishing a partnership with Illahee Middle School in the Federal Way Public Schools district and then partnered students and families of Woodmont K-8 School the following year, according to the nonprofit.

In 2019, I’m Hooked expanded its programming by partnering with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The nonprofit also expanded their work with the Federal Way school district by partnering with Communities in Schools.

The I’m Hooked family fishing day is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Lunch is provided. Youth are free and the event is recommended for kids ages 6 and up.

Participants 15 and older must have a fishing license (purchased online).

I’m Hooked provides life vests, rods and reels, bait and tackles, and bags and ice. Attendees should wear weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, a hat and a cooler to store fish.

Event is rain or shine. Steel Lake Park is located at 2410 S. 312th St. in Federal Way.

Community members can support the event and any donations are tax-deductible; the Tax ID number is #37-1589013.

I’m Hooked was founded in 1988. To register for the May 7 event, visit www.imhookedinc.org.

Kids can fish, build bird houses and enjoy other outdoor activities at the annual family fishing day event.

Participants fish from the dock at Steel Lake Park in Federal Way in 2018. Photo courtesy of I’m Hooked