Seniors Fishing Outreach: A Concept Worth Promoting

Outreach programs to get kids on the water are well-established. But what about folks of advanced age? Twenty one percent of Floridians are seniors, and some 70,000 live in assisted living facilities. Dan Sardina, a Central Florida outreach specialist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), lays it out clearly.

“For the past 28 years my target for fishing outreach has been kids,” he said. ”Fishing with my father-in-law over that period, I watched him go from independent to an angler who is willing to accept a great deal of assistance to get out of the house. Now 94 years old, he is always grateful to go fishing. I realized many senior citizens lack this opportunity. Then Todd Rowley of Orange County Parks and Recreation brought up the ‘get out the seniors’ fishing idea. FWC Biologist Kyle Miller, the Fish Orlando Project Leader, liked the idea of a low-key tournament so he was in. That’s how this got started.”

The prototype venue was Orlando’s Renaissance Senior Center which features its own pond. The initial event began at 8 a.m. Volunteers handed out Zebco spincast outfits and live worms. The shore became evenly dotted with hopeful fisher-folk, some experienced, some not, including volunteers who couldn’t resist making some casts.

“First Fish” came reluctantly to shore; a big copper-head bluegill giving its all. The pleased angler said, “Two years ago I retired, figured I’d do some saltwater fishing. It didn’t happen. I fished as a young man. Not in my old age. This thing today kicked me off, got me excited. I’m gonna try some more of these ponds.”

Nobody left early. Everyone landed three to six fish; all received a handsome medal. Participants told how happy they were to fish for the first time in years. This good time inspired them to get out and fish independently, and will lead to more such events. Inspired by the popularity of this event, Orange County now hosts monthly events at the Renaissance Center.

Branching Out

“The Renaissance Senior Fishing Tournament in collaboration with Orange County was a preliminary event to reactivate anglers and glean their perception of the event,” said Miller. “I believe there’s a great societal benefit to host an event for this sometimes ‘forgotten’ age group.”

Another takeaway from the senior events is encouraging seniors to register for the free Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate, as Miller explained.

“Although people over 65 do not need licenses, by registering they contribute to conservation, and helping the state recover more federal funds for sport fish restoration.”

The Renaissance Fishathon is the prototype for more to come. For advice and help starting an adult fish-athon, contact Kyle Miller: 352-664-7958, or Kyle.Miller@myfwc.com

Tournaments at Renaissance Senior Center in Orlando are free, open to the public and scheduled monthly through November before the next year begins. Call 407-254-9070.

---

• This article was featured in the October issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe.

---