The Pennsylvania Fish Commission’s April 9 mentored youth trout fishing day is a great idea. I can take my 3-year-old grandson to a trout lake to experience fishing without big crowds. It’s a great opportunity for him to catch his first fish.

I went to my local tackle shop to buy a child’s rod and reel, bobbers and hooks. The clerk informed me the state requires the child’s Social Security number to purchase a youth fishing permit.

With identity theft and hackers, the idea of giving the unknown person behind the counter a 3-year-old’s Social Security number raised a red flag. And the Fish Commission’s database can be compromised. I can take steps to protect my identity; a 3-year-old can’t. He could be a victim before entering pre-school; his numbers sold worldwide.

This is a good idea gone wrong. I’ll take my grandson to a farm pond to catch blue gills and not worry. I hope other dads, moms and grandpas agree with me and ask the Fish Commission to reconsider collecting children’s Social Security numbers.

Donald Beitel

Springdale

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