"Hook The Future" Clinic at St. Pete Boat Show 2024 JordanKalajian

FISHING & KIDS – Connecting with nature, one bite at a time

By Jordan Kalajian, Radio St. Pete Insider 

Fishing is not just a hobby, it’s an opportunity for children and adults to cultivate a love for nature while promoting patience.  So, put down your cell phone, grab a fishing rod, bait your hook and enjoy the ride and get your Mother Nature fix.

Radio St. Pete Insider got an inside peek at how fishing benefits children of all ages at January’s St. Petersburg’s Boat Show in downtown St. Pete. Kids learn patience to wait for the right bite they develop crucial skills of self-control which spread far beyond the shoreline. Once they have the right bite they learn composure. 

Reeling a fish in can be a rewarding and exciting experience which can create memories that will last a lifetime. “Fishing is not about the catch, it's about the time and the memories,” said Don Dingman during the Hook the Future clinic at the St. Petersburg Boat Show.

At the clinic, kids learned about fishing in a safe and fun environment as Dingman talked about fishing gear and how to use it. He gave a presentation on how to reel a fish, from when to reel in and when to let the fish run. Other Hook the Future tips for successful fishing?

·         Identify what kind of fish you want to catch. 

·         Once you target a species it's much easier to figure out the tackle, water depth and location. 

·         Choose your lures. Always bring one light and one dark for versatility and if one doesn’t work, try the other.

·         The movement or action of the lure is going to make the fish bite, so it does not matter whether you use live bait or artificial as long as you are out there trying. 

Dingman advocates responsible fishing practices for all ages to avoid damage to the ecosystem. Want to learn more?  Tampa Bay Watch is a nonprofit organization teaching people how to protect and maintain the environment through education programs and restoration projects.

·         Practice good conservation techniques and proper catch-and-release practices to help maintain fish populations and ensure the balance of aquatic habitats. 

·         Proper disposal of fishing gear can help to limit the amount of pollution and prevent harm to marine life. By participating in safe fishing practices you can ensure a fun trip with no 

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