Teach a Kid to Fish-Treat Him for a Lifetime

Every year for the last four years we have taken inner city kids fishing at Cape Canaveral for the Kid’s Fishing Clinics they hold annually.
It is a great event where the kids learn about fishing basics and good stewardship over the resources entrusted to them. I forgot to mention the free hotdogs, soft drinks, fishing poles and tackle boxes for the kids helps out with pocketbook stewardship too. If you have never seen the expression on a kid’s face when they land a flopping pinfish, then brother, you have not lived. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision (FWC) holds a series of these events around the state every year. They run from February to September every year and you can check out their website: http://myfwc.com/education/outdoor-skills/fishing-clinics/locations/ for times and locations near you. This year’s event held a little rain and a long line to get in, but the wait and moisture was worth it. First station the group went to was the knot tying station where kids learn how to properly tie a hook to a line. If you’ve ever spent the whole afternoon tying on new hooks to kid’s lines replacing the old ones offered to the rock gods then this station is a must. Next, we spent some time learning the difference between the different rods and reels available. Then it was off to the station which taught proper handling of fish, catch and release and the importance of line disposal. My favorite station was when the FWC representative showed us all the different sea creatures in her portable aquarium. You can pet a Horshoe crab, Hermit crab watch and touch sponges among other creepy little things in the shallows. Finally, it’s off to the casting practice station. It’s pure torture now, you are just yards away from people fishing, food but the Jimmy Buffet music in the background tends to soothe. After the last station it’s fishing time and the shrimp (bait also provided) willingly sacrifice themselves for a kid’s hope of catching a big one. It runs from about 9-1pm so it gives you time to fish elsewhere if you are still not satisfied. So start making memories with your kids and teach the next generation about conservation. Remember, give a kid a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a kid to fish, treat ‘em for a lifetime.