Boating & Fishing Insider

A 'graduate' of Hook Kids on Fishing winds on a big kingfish offshore. Credit: Terry Gibson

One of the best ways to get your kids interested in fish, fishing and the outdoors is to let them enjoy their earlier experiences along with other kids and families. Some kids take right to rugged outdoor adventures. Most benefit from a more social and structured introduction. So if you're thinking about taking the kids on one of their earlier fishing experiences, you might want to consider booking the expedition after a day at a kids/parents fishing clinic.

Anglers for Conservation's Hooked Kids on Fishing is one of the best "101-level" programs for parents and kids alike. The emphasis is on fun and safety. Parents and kids also learn basic knot-tying, proper catch-and-release methods, casting and other skills.

I've attended a number of these events, and it's really fun to watch the kids link up according to age and skill level. It doesn't take them long to become immersed in the various types of observation, problem-solving and trial-and-error that fishing involves. The fishing portion of the event involves a tournament with various prizes for biggest fish, most fish, et cetera. It gets the competitive and creative juices flowing.

The next Hook Kids on Fishing program takes place Saturday morning, Feb. 18 from 9-11 a.m. at Kiwanis Island Park, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road, in Merritt Island. Parents are required to attend, too.That's only  only 45 minutes from Orlando.

Hook Kids on Fishing clinics take place all over the state, multiple times throughout the year. Click here for the schedule. You can also still register to become part of a nationwide Fish Earth Day event between April 14-21, 2012 in celebration of Earth Day. Anglers for Conservation aims to set a Guinness World Record for the number of kids and families participating during this week-long educational event focusing on fishing fundamentals and conservation. For more information, contact info@anglersforconservation.com.