Nature Coast Fishing for Youth- Summer highlights of youth fishing in Cedar Key

This summer Nature Coast Fishing for Youth, held right here in Cedar Key, was more than just a fishing success. Young anglers from across the State took home the knowledge to saltwater fish, a sport they can enjoy for life. Nature Coast Fishing for Youth is a free, one-day program held at the Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Lab in Cedar Key where participants learn the fundamentals of fishing. Over the past three summers, Nature Coast Fishing for Youth has grown in participant numbers from about 95 students the first summer to 147 participants this summer, and is expected to grow more next summer.

This summer Nature Coast Fishing for Youth was not offered to the general public due to unforeseen events, such as Tropical Storm Debby. However, the program was offered to returning groups from previous summers, such as Cedar Key Summer Youth Program, Taylor County 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouts, Williston Middle School and the Girl Scouts of the USA. New additions added to the lineup this summer were Bronson and Lafayette 4-H, a new Cub Scout group and Cross City Kinder Cub School. With all the large groups, there are bound to be a few summer highlights.

This is Hunter Purtlebaugh at his first fishing clinic

Taylor and Lafayette County 4-H each traveled more than 4 hours round trip and even though they spent more time on a hot bus than the total clinic, they keep coming back for more. Both groups bring several passionate marine science teachers/chaperones to assist with the program, bait hooks and help guide the youth. The children enjoyed the hands-on marine habitats activity, casting and learning how to tie knots. We spent a majority of the time fishing at the #4 Bridge. These two groups caught several 3-4 inch Gafftopsail catfish and because of this, were able to fine tune their de-hooking skills.

Tropical Storm Debby brought out the best in the Cedar Key Summer Youth students. Almost every group had to forgo fishing at the close of each program due to lighting and/or rain. On the last day, the students who didn`t get to fish came back to the marine lab to try their luck one last time. On the walk out, it started to sprinkle and then quickly stopped. Being Cedar Key kids, they didn`t seem to mind. Once on the dock and all lines were in the water, it started to sprinkle again a little harder, but it didn`t last. Finally after about 10-15 minutes of fishing, the skies opened up and the rain came down. We called it a day, reeled in the lines and walked back to the building soaking wet but not a single student looked upset. Every student had a smile on their face.

Alan Peirce (FWC) teaching students fish identification and basic morphology

All in all, through long travels, shortened programs and downpours, Nature Coast Fishing for Youth was again a great success with unforgettable first time fishing memories. I look forward to next summer, with new fishing adventures and fishing education.

For more information about Nature Coast Fishing for Youth or other outreach programs contact Jennifer Saranzak at Jennifer.Saranzak@myfwc.com.

For more information about how to get involved go to:
http://myfwc.com/get-involved/