For the past three decades the West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s charitable affiliate, the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation (PBCFF), has been introducing area youth to fishing through its unique educational program, Kid’s Fishing Day.  The PBCFF’s 31st annual program is scheduled for, July 17th, 18th & 19th, at the Lake Park Harbor Marina.  The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County is the title sponsor of this heartwarming community tradition.  Kid’s Fishing Day targets children 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, saltwater angling instruction and fishing adventure.  Youngsters from various area summer recreation programs, church affiliated organizations and mentoring youth groups are scheduled to participate.  Limited space is still available to groups or individuals who can be accompanied by an adult and have transportation to and from the marina.  Nearly 60 volunteers, most from the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, will also take part serving as program instructors.

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 thrilling experience.  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 be a responsible angler and more. With the help of marine biologists and local fishing experts the kids will visit a ‘Where Fish Live’ station learning about the importance of protecting mangroves and sea grasses, conveying the message ‘With no Habitat, there are no Fish’.

Participants, accompanied by their chaperones, 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 T-shirt, hot dogs, drinks, a short 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. 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. Approximately 13,000 kids have benefited from the program since its inception thirty years ago. 

Kid’s Fishing Day is underwritten by 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.  Very limited space is available for appropriately aged children accompanied by an adult.  Participants are required to pre-register to confirm availability by calling the West Palm Beach Fishing Club at (561) 832-6780.