28th annual Kids Fishing Day to Set Sail
Approximately 400 area youth are eagerly awaiting the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation's (PBCFF) Kid's Fishing Day program scheduled for July 28th, 29th & 30th, at the Lake Park Harbor Marina. The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County is the title sponsor of this heartwarming annual community event. For the past 28 years, this unique outreach program has targeted children from throughout Palm Beach County who don't normally have the opportunity or means to experience saltwater fishing aboard a big boat. Kids are treated to a special day of marine environmental education, and get a wonderful introduction to saltwater angling and fishing adventure. Youngsters from various area summer recreation programs, church affiliated organizations and inner-city youth groups are scheduled to participate. In addition to the children, approximately 100 volunteers will also take part.
For some of the children, the ocean encounter will be a first time experience. Just the adventure of cruising out the inlet and seeing a flying fish or sea turtle as they head offshore is a big deal for some of the youngsters. In addition to a fishing trip aboard the Living On Island Time drift boat, the kids will also learn about fishing techniques and boating safety. Each youth group will rotate through a series of educational activity stations, which include knot tying, how to cast a fishing rod, how to set up a tackle box, how to be a responsible angler and much more. A marine 'touch tank' provided by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will highlight the land-based activities. With the help of marine biologists and local fishing experts the kids will be able to interact with some of the marine animals that live in local waters like the Lake Worth Lagoon. The kids will learn the importance of protecting mangroves and sea grasses. The touch tank station is an entertaining and effective teaching tool that helps convey the message 'With no Habitat, There are no Fish'.
Participants range in age from 8 to 12 years old. The program, which is offered free of charge by the PBCFF, provides each child with a special T-shirt, lunch, drinks, a two hour drift fishing trip and personalized certificates of participation. Upon completion of the program each child will be presented with a new fishing rod and reel, sponsored by the Florida Foundation For Responsible Angling. Adult volunteers supervise the kids and serve as program instructors during the event. One of the program goals is to help connect kids to the outdoors giving them a greater appreciation for the marine environment and building better environmental stewards for the future. Since its inception in 1988, over 12,000 kids have benefited from the program.
Kid's Fishing Day is underwritten by many generous businesses and organizations. The Town of Lake Park is also an instrumental partner in this program providing an ideal location to headquarter the event. Additional support for the event is provided by individuals who help sponsor one or more children with a donation of $35 or more. Limited space is still available for appropriately aged children accompanied by an adult. Participants must pre-register to confirm availability by calling the West Palm Beach Fishing Club at (561) 832-6780.
