JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This weekend, Hook The Future will host a free kids fishing event at Marine Max in Jacksonville Beach. Starting on Saturday, Nov 12th at 9:00 am, families can learn how to catch more fish and enjoy time on the water together. The first 250 kids to arrive will receive a free rod and reel as a part of the Fish Florida program, funded by the sale of the Fish Florida license plate.
A Hook The Future Kids Fishing Clinic will take place at 10:00 am, hosted by Capt Don Dingman. Kids will learn about the water column and how to target a species to catch in different areas of the water column. Dingman will explain different factors that attract fish like light, sound, and movement, giving tips and tricks to catch more fish. The goal of the clinic is to promote families to spend more time together outdoors and enjoy each other's company. Safety on the water and practices to be good stewards of the environment are also highlighted.
In years past, this event has taken place at the Jacksonville Beach Pier and included a few hours of fishing off of the pier. Hurricane Matthew in early October damaged the pier to the extent that the event could not take place their this year. To encourage the kids to put their new rod and reels and fishing knowledge to use- each family will also get a packet listing local ponds, lakes, and piers that are open to the public to fish, along with a detailed guide of how to target the different fish in each location. Kids can take a picture with their catch and send it in to be entered to win one of five grand prizes through November 20th.
Capt Don Dingman explained, "Saturday's Family Fishing Day is designed to help families get a start in fishing. The kids will get a free rod and reel and a cinch sack full of fishing gear to help them catch fish. Our goal is for a parent to be able to take their child, use the guide of public fishing spots, and experience the joy of time together outdoors. Even if you've never tied a hook on, we can help on Saturday- hopefully your child will be catching their first fish by Sunday."
An on-site casting event will also help kids hone their skills- different prizes will be awarded for the best of three casts for each kid. For more information about the event, you can visit Hook The Future's Facebook page here The Family Fun Day will begin at 9:00am on Saturday, November 12th at Marine Max at 2079 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.