Kids get hooked on fishing at Weeki Wachee fishing clinic!
Early morning showers on Saturday April 16th didn’t deter the young kids taking part in a Weeki Wachee fishing clinic. As the clouds opened up and the blue skies gleamed over Linda Pedersen Park, lines of anticipated kids surrounded the picnic area, they wanted to fish!
“The fishing is totally different in this area than up north, we need to teach them how to fish in these shallow waters,” said Ron Auger, President of Weeki Wachee Anglers. “Teach them the values catch and release.”
Weeki Wachee Anglers, founded in 2014 is based out of Weeki Wachee Florida. They have dedication and passion for Hernando County resources. With over 150 listed members and officers, Weeki Wachee Anglers encourage the younger generation to love the water as well.
The clinic was set up into stations, which included knot tying, ethical angling, tackle box prep, and even a touch tank station with a horseshoe crab and hermit crabs. The last station was the casting station, which featured a neat looking fish at the end of the line. After all stations were completed, the kids would receive a rod and reel as well as a packet of goodies. Then they were off to the bank to cast their line.
With the loss of camps and programs due to the budgets cuts and the economy, a one step at a time process is a great start for the county. “We are finally getting to that point where we are able to rebuild,” said Brad Gregory, Recreational Specialist for Hernando County Parks and Recreation. “We see the bigger picture… It’s about getting the kids active, that’s why we are doing this.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission also were present at the Fishing Clinic. “We hold these programs all across the state, they are free and the idea is to get kids exposed to saltwater fishing and environmental conservation,” said Morgan Higman, Educational Specialist for Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. “I love to fish and I love to see kids think about where shells come from and why the environment is important.”
The program is funded by sport fish restoration which is a tax on fishing equipment and fuel. “This is a really neat way the tax dollars goes back to the people, and really invest in our young people,” Higman said.
The combination of the Weeki Wachee Anglers, the Hernando County Parks and Recreation along with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission brought a great turn out for the free fishing clinic.
“It’s very important to start them at a young age with ethical responsible of fishing,” said Officer Justin Henry: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. “Our job in law enforcement has a high focus on education. A good day on the water for us is the amount of compliance we see with people following the rules and regulations.”
“Hernando County is a great place to live and recreate, there are people out patrolling and protect it, for the next generation,” said Officer Henry.
Overall the whole experience is to get kids more involved in outdoor activities and away from the electronics. Experiencing programs like this is a bonus for any family.
Jerry Charlwood from Spring Hill brought his daughter Lilly and her friend Jordan to the Fishing Clinic. “She (Lilly) loves it, having fun. It’s good for the kids,” said Charlwood. Both Lilly and her friend had a great experience. Lilly caught a crab and Jordan a fish!
For some casting a line is more than just about hookin’ a fish… it is about what they see around them.
“Peace and quiet, you are out there with nature. I see different things from dolphins to manatees with their young teaching them how to swim; it’s something new every time you go out there,” Ron Auger expressed.
And as always remember the Good Angler Rules
· Fish by the Rules
· Don’t teach trash to swim
· Limit your take, don’t take your limit
· No Habitat No Fish
· Catch and Release
· Practice Safety afloat
· Show courtesy and respect
· Share what you know and help fishing grow
For more information please visit the links below
http://www.weekiwacheeanglersinc.com/home
http://myfwc.com/fishing/sfr/
http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/parks_rec/