Volunteer helps out a participant at a past Kids Fishing Clinic. FWC Photo.

Take some time for the next generation of fishers.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Reef Light Tackle, Boy Scouts Sea Base and the Sport Fish Restoration Program will present a free Kids Fishing Clinic for children, ages 4-16, on May 2 at Summerland Key. The event is scheduled to take place at the Brinton Environmental Center. This marks the fifth annual Kids Fishing Clinic in the Florida Keys.

This free event, put on by a multitude of volunteers and sponsors, tries to teach young people the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety. In addition, environmental displays will provide kids with a chance to experience Florida's marine life firsthand (such as the spider-like horseshoe crab).

Every Kids Fishing Clinic’s main purpose is to instill responsible marine-resource stewardship into future generations; plus, there’s a bit of fishing, too. Fishing equipment and bait will be supplied for children to use during the clinic, but those who own fishing tackle are encouraged to bring it. A limited number of rods and reels will be given away to participants upon completion of the clinic. If conditions allow, participants can practice their new skills and fish from the marina. This event is a catch-photograph-release activity; all participants must be accompanied by an adult. Be on the lookout for a Kids Fishing Clinic near your part of the state. Contact FWC’s Gus Cancro (850) 488-6058 with any questions about the Kids Fishing Clinics.

Kids Fishing Clinic Schedule:

April
April 25, Naples
9 a.m. -12 p.m.

May
May 2, Summerland Key
9 a.m. -12 p.m.

May 9, Panacea
9 a.m. -12 p.m.

May 16, Pensacola
8:30 a.m.

June
June 6, Panama City Beach
9 a.m. -12 p.m.

June 13, Fernandina Beach
9 a.m. -12 p.m.

June 27, Cape Canaveral
9 a.m. -12 p.m.