Event-goers will learn conservation techniques, safety procedures
By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD -- The Palm Bay Parks and Recreation Department is goin' fishin'.
On Saturday, April 6, students between the ages of 6 and 12, are invited to attend the "Hook Kids on Fishing" program at the Lagoon House in Palm Bay.
The event teaches students safety procedures, conservation and techniques for fishing along Florida's East Coast.
Al Majoy, recreation leader for the Palm Bay Parks and Recreation Department, said the event is a great, fun, educational experience for those who attend.
"This is a great learning experience for the kids," he said. "They not only learn about fishing, they get to learn about the eco-system of Florida."
Organizers said the event is divided between four separate courses: conservation and safety, tackle and rigging, species recognition and casting techniques.
Each course is designed to help each student become a better angler and develop a more conservation-minded understanding about fishing.
In the conservation part of the course, organizers said students will learn how to fish safely and to always watch for other anglers and their environment while they fish.
The tackle and rigging portion of the event will teach participants how to tie a clinch knot, so they can rig their own tackle. Organizers said students will also learn about hooks, sinkers and bait.
The species recognition portion of the course will focus on helping students identify commonly sought after fish on the Space Coast and review regulations pertaining to them.
Casting techniques will also be taught to participants by teaching students how to cast at a fixed target.
Mr. Majoy, who has worked on the event for two years, said "Hook Kids on Fishing" will feature members from the "Anglers for Conservation" group.
"Without them, there would be no event," he said. "They will be there to run 15-minute stations to teach the kids about fishing and conservation."
Mr. Majoy said the group will bring equipment for the students that they will be able to keep past the event.
Once each event is completed by every student, organizers said everyone will fish at the Lagoon House.
"Hook Kids on Fishing" will be Saturday, April 6, at the Lagoon House on 3275 Dixie Hwy N.E. in Palm Bay from 8:45 to 11 a.m.
The event is free to students between the ages of 6 and 16. Parents are encouraged to attend.
To register for the event, parents need to come to the Palm Bay Community Center and fill out and sign a waiver form, Mr. Majoy said.
The Palm Bay Community Center is located at 1502 Port Malabar Blvd. N.E. in Palm Bay.
For more information, call (321) 952-3443.