Meet Jim Adkins of the Berkley Fishing Team of Ohio. He wants to get you hooked on fishing

Fishing is a hugely popular hobby enjoyed by many children and adults in Stark County and throughout Ohio and the nation. In 2022, 54.5 million Americans ages 6 and over went fishing, a 4% increase from 2021, according to the "Special Report on Fishing" produced by the Outdoor Foundation and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

Jim Adkins of Navarre is the vice president of Berkley Fishing Team of Ohio. He knows how to catch a fish and how to help others learn how to fish. He has helped — for over 20 years — to promote the sport and help thousands of children and others learn more about fishing.

Adkins graduated from Perry High School and then went into the U.S. Air Force for nine years. He works as a certified medical assistant and EKG technician and has done blood draws and EKGs in local doctor’s offices. He has three children and five grandchildren.

He has participated in fishing events with the Berkley team all around the county, including at Sippo Lake, the pond at Price Park in North Canton, and the pond in Jackson Township’s North Park.

“One of the largest fish I’ve caught here in Stark County was a 6-pound, 11-ounce largemouth bass at the Nimisila Reservoir," Adkins said. "I used a red eye shad rattle trap while fishing out of my bass boat.”

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How did you get involved with the Berkley Fishing Team?

A member of the team asked me if I would be interested in joining and so I got involved.

I teach children and parents about fishing and conservation. We do eight to 10 fishing derbies (ages 4 to 15) with Stark Parks, Stark County Federation of Conservation Club and Jackson Township Parks. Plus, in September we do a special needs derby with no age limit.

What are the goals of the team?

The team promotes the sport of fishing by acquainting the public with fishing as a family-oriented sport open to men, women and children of all ages.

Our mission is to help persons in the sport of fishing to improve their fishing knowledge by answering their questions, and inspiring children to learn the values associated with fishing and conservation so that the sport of fishing will prosper for generations to come.

What does it mean to you to be involved with encouraging youth in Stark County to drop the electronics and experience nature though fishing?

I like helping kids fish. The feeling you get when you help a child or a special needs individual catch their first fish is a feeling you will never forget.

How would you rate Stark County for good places to fish?

My two favorite fishing spots are at Petros Park and Sippo Lake. Both have really good bass in those lakes.

Would you share some of the other outdoor activities you and your family participate in?

I fish tournaments as much as I can. Plus, I enjoy horseback riding, showing dogs and working with 4H groups and kids.

Editor's note: Five questions with ... is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you'd like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 5 questions with Jim Adkins of Berkley Fishing Team of Ohio