FORT PIERCE — Getting youth hooked on fishing brings a host of benefits that goes beyond developing a sport, a hobby and a skill.

From building confidence to increasing perseverance, patience and independence, learning to fish at a young age builds additional skills that last a lifetime. That’s why UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, Florida Sea Grant, Florida A&M University and Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) have teamed up to offer a unique opportunity.

On Aug. 5, parents or guardians of 8- to-14-year-olds can register their youth for the free Indian River Lagoon Youth Fishing Clinic at Museum Pointe Park, 414 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Parent and guardians can sign up their youth today for one of three sessions. To register, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/IRLFishClinic.

There is room for more than 100 children to learn basic fishing skills, tactics and how to be good environmental stewards when fishing. The program will provide free live bait, a fishing pole and tackle box. After the event, participants will get to take home a free fishing pole and tackle box to continue building their skills and enjoy. Gear was donated by Debrook’s Fishing Center and White’s Tackle. Participants will also have a free fish sandwich provided. A rain date of Saturday, Sept. 18 has been scheduled.

In teaching youth to be good water stewards, there will be a citizen science component at the event. Members of UF and ORCA will show youth how to dissect and prep the fish parts for testing as part of a water monitoring program taking place along the Treasure Coast on the Indian River Lagoon.

“Teach kids to fish and they become one with nature. We want the kids to have a great learning experience and learn a skill they can use their entire life,” said Carol Roberts, a community resources development agent at UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County. “The good steward component lends itself to teaching kids about their environment, the importance of taking care of it and protecting our waterways.”

Parents and guardians can choose from three timed sessions:
• 1 – 2 :45 p.m.

For more information, contact Roberts at 772-462-1895 or Vincent Encomio, Florida Sea Grant agent at 772-288-5654. To register, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/IRLFishClinic