Kids' Fishing Clinics are one-day educational events
established by the Outreach and Education section of the Division
of Marine Fisheries Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission. One of the main goals for the Kids'
Fishing Clinics is to create responsible marine resource stewards
by teaching children the vulnerability of Florida's marine
ecosystems. In addition, we hope to teach fundamental saltwater
fishing skills and to provide kids with a positive fishing
experience.
At the clinics, the children go through five
mandatory skill stations: Casting, Knot Tying, Fishing Tackle, Good Angler and Touch Tank. After
approximately one hour of instruction, the children will receive a
free rod and reel (compliments of local sponsors while supplies
last), and at most clinics, will have the opportunity to fish.
Since 1996, more than 52,000 children and 43,000
parents have participated in our Kids' Fishing Clinics. None of
this would have been possible without the 10,000 volunteers who have come out to assist
in educating these young anglers about fishing techniques, marine
habitats, ethical angling and conservation.
If you are interested in
becoming a volunteer or hosting a clinic, please
review our protocol
or call the Outreach and Education office at (850) 487-0554.
The
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's involvement is funded
in part by money from the Sport Fish Restoration Program. This
national program collects money from excise taxes on fishing
equipment, import duties on fishing equipment and boats, and taxes
on motorboat and small-engine fuels.
Persons with Disabilities