News Release

FWC announces Cedar Key youth summer fishing program

May 27, 2008
Contact: Missy Woods Jackson, 352-543-6089

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces a series of summer inshore fishing clinics for children at the Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Lab in Cedar Key.  This program is open to youths between the ages of 6 and 16.

The one-day clinics will take place in June and July.  Participants will learn about fish identification, knot tying, casting, bait types, habitat types, gear care and more.  The clinic will end with catch-and-release pier fishing.

Organizations and individuals are invited to participate in this free FWC program.   For information on how to reserve a clinic date or to be a clinic sponsor or volunteer, call 352-543-6089.

The FWC’s Nature Coast Fishing in Cedar Key program hosts these youth fishing events.  The program is co-sponsored by Fish Florida and Sport Fish Restoration (SFR).

Fish Florida is a non-profit organization that supports organizations that teach about Florida’s fish and aquatic resources.  Funding comes from the Fish Florida specialty license plate featuring one of Florida’s saltwater fish, the sailfish.

The SFR program, which provides funds to states for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education, was created by the federal government to restore and better manage America’s declining fishery resources.  Funding for SFR comes from an excise tax on all fishing equipment, motor boats and small engine fuels.