04/30/2021
If you're looking for a unique experience when you visit Hilton Head Island you may want to spend an afternoon with Ben.
Meet Ben Green: Fishing Life Lessons
“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Hilton Head Island native Ben Green lives and breathes this mantra. Ben is a veteran and a well-known fishing enthusiast steeped in the Gullah-Geechee heritage he holds dear. Several years ago, he took his love for fishing and began teaching others how to fish and catch crabs. He started with young people, but quickly expanded his program – On the Hook - to include families, school groups and even visitors to the Island. Ben doesn’t charge anyone to participate. Donations help with the purchase of fishing rods and other items. From 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, you can find Ben and his school of young fishers at the Rowing and Sailing Center off Squire Pope Road. Not only are they getting free lessons in catching, cleaning and cooking fish, they are getting lessons about life. "I want them to walk away not only knowing how to fish, but also knowing how peaceful it can be in our environment. You learn to appreciate your surroundings. You learn to have patience and you learn to connect with nature. These are virtues you can hold onto for a lifetime," Ben said. So if you’re inclined, stop by the Rowing and Sailing Center and catch some fish with Ben.
