THE RIGHT BAIT FISHING PROGRAM HELPS YOUNGSTERS IN DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-ESTEEM.

Byline: BILL BECHER

Is the Children's Cast a Line Foundation just a fishing program for kids? Or is it a way to bolster self-esteem for children, some who are disadvantaged, disabled or at-risk and who might otherwise never see a live fish?

The answer to both questions is yes, says Mickey Frankel, the director of this Tarzana-based nonprofit.

Today, Frankel, 55, a genial former salesman, is teaching kids about fishing at the Police Activity League's storefront center at Nordhoff Street and Sepulveda Boulevard in North Hills.

The youngsters, ages 8 to 12, are learning how to tie basic knots such as the improved clinch knot, the Palomar knot, and the dropper loop.

When they master these knots, know how to set up basic fishing tackle and can cast proficiently, they receive a ``Certified Angler'' card. This means they are eligible to go on fishing trips to Troutdale in Agoura Hills or on ocean trips that Frankel's group sponsors.

``The kids really enjoy the class,'' said officer Elizabeth Sandoval, a six-year LAPD veteran, who runs the PAL center. ``It does instill a sense of confidence. When the kids go fishing at Troutdale, at first they're hesitant to touch a fish, but by the end of the session they're picking them up with their hands. They're all proud of themselves because they get to catch two fish.''

The center, tucked into the back of a shopping center, has computers, video games, a pool table, and lots of books and board games.

``What's so important is that the program builds an affiliation between the LAPD and the kids,'' said Greg Baker, president of the Devonshire Division PAL Supporters. ``Some of the kids come out of poverty areas or third world countries where you're not quick to call law enforcement. PALS builds a good outlook and relationship between the LAPD and the kids.

``Last summer, some of the kids went to the North Valley YMCA camp in the San Bernardino Mountains for a week,'' Baker said. ``PALS also sent some of the kids on a hiking trip with Officer Sandoval and a retired LAPD officer into the Sequoias.''

The PALS program is free for kids. The supporters group sponsors a golf tournament every year to raise money for the program.

``A lot of the kids wouldn't otherwise have a shot at fishing,'' Baker said. ``We took some of the kids to the beach from the Valley. Twelve year olds who'd never seen the ocean.''

Lots of rewards are handed out in Frankel's classes, including a pen or candy bar just for participating. Frankel has the kids line up outside with spinning gear and practice plugs and they try to cast the plug into a plastic bucket. The winners get their choice of a T-shirt or a hat.

Alex Perez, 8, has been eager to go fishing since her older sister Elsa received her certified angler certificate. Today, she's all concentration as she aims for the target. Her last cast makes the bucket and she's beaming.

The back alley behind the PALS center is a long way from a scenic Sierra trout stream, but the kids don't seem to notice the rows of shopping carts, bales of waste paper and fence topped with barbed wire. Frankel said he wants to make sure his young fishers have enough casting practice so they won't be frustrated when they go for the real thing.

At Troutdale, a commercial fishing pond in Agoura, the kids will get to catch two fish and take them home, thanks to Children's Cast A Line.

Frankel has built an inventory of 300 rods and reels with support from Shimano and Zebco. Gone Fishing T-shirts, Sierra Gold, Mustad Hooks, Eagle Claw, Izorline, Stren, Berkeley and Penn Reels have also contributed to the program. Sal Vallone, owner of Bob Sands Tackle in Van Nuys, donates prizes and supplies tackle to the program at cost.

Children's Cast A Line Foundation also works with other organizations that serve disabled, disadvantaged or abused children ages 8 to 17.

Frankel said he was sitting in a hospital a few years ago having made his funeral plans. He made a promise that if he got out of the hospital he would do some good.

``This is the way I came up with,'' he said. ``I still do the things I like to do. I was always the one who'd teach my friends' kids how to fish. There's no winning or losing in fishing, just having a good time.''

MORE INFO

The Children's Cast A Line Foundation, 19634 Ventura Blvd., Suite 204, Tarzana, CA 91356; [phone].

Donations accepted or gift certificates at Bob Sands Tackle in Van Nuys can be purchased for the foundation. Organizations wanting to participate in the Cast a Line Foundation should contact Mickey Frankel, Devonshire Police Activity League Youth Center, P.O. Box 7446, Northridge, CA 91327; [phone].

CAPTION(S):

3 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Instructor Mickey Frankel, right, of Tarzuna talks with student Alex Perez, 6, during Children's Cast A Line Class.

(2 -- color) Children practice casting and try their hands in the Children's Cast a Line class at Devonshire Area Police Activities League Supporters youth center.

(3) Ten-year-old Jennifer Urrutia of North Hills practices casting in the Children's Cast A Line class

Bill Becher/Special to the Daily News