ROSELAND — Kids and the adults who attended the fishing clinic brushed up on their fishing skills at the Roseland Community Center.
Saturday morning was filled with fish stories and childhood memories as adults passed on their love of fishing to their children and grandchildren. A free rod and reel combo and tackle box was given to each child. They were provided by an Equipment Grant from Fish Florida!
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to learn how to fish,” said Jackie Renyo, president of the Sebastian Fishin’ Chicks.
The Sebastian Fishin’ Chicks held the fishing clinic to teach kids how to tie knots for their hooks, basic fishing safety, casting, and how to identify fish.
Around 35 young fishing enthusiasts attended the clinic, who used the community center and the park outside for its four stations teaching different skill sets. Each turn lasted 15 minutes.
Ken and Trudy Lester attended with their grandchildren.
“When the grandchildren are here, we fish every day,” said Ken.
When trying to tie the different knots some adults scoffed at the “new” way and showed their children how they were taught. But some took to the new technique of tying their knots.
“Yea Grandma! Forget you kids, Grandma’s learned it!” said Trudy.
At the knot station, they also had a bucket of live shrimp to show the kids some commonly used bait. Madison Howard, 5, dove right in to try and catch one before the instruction started.
“They’re cute,” said Howard.
When instructor Vicki Conforti started the casting portion of the day, she struggled to separate a few fishing poles, prompting her to pass on a bit of knowledge.
“That’s the thing about fishing, your lines are always tangled,” she said.
Emme Dotson, 9, attended the class with her mother, Sharon Dotson.
“We used to call her the ‘bass master’ because she’s the only one that caught any fish,” said Sharon.
“I know most of it, but not all of it,” said Emme.
Safety was discussed at another station. There, Eileen Hanley covered items to bring on a fishing trip, like a first-aid kit, sun screen, sun glasses, and a hat.
“We have to protect our beautiful bodies,” said Hanley. Hanley also stressed proper foot wear and other items like a glove and nail clippers to bring. Nail clippers are safer than a big knife to snip your fishing line, said Hanley.
Chris Wood discussed conservation, identifying fish, and how to handle fish.
“One thing I always put in my tackle box is a grocery bag for trash,” said Wood. “We’re trying to keep the ocean water’s nice.”
Catch and release was also touched on by Wood.
“I’m not crazy about fish, so I catch and release,” said Wood. She pointed out if you’re not going to eat or mount the fish on your wall it’s best to release it so the next person has a chance to catch it.
The Sebastian Fishin’ Chicks meet the last Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Roseland Community Center, at 12973 83rd Ave., Roseland.
