By Eldridge Wynn, Academic Anglers Children’s Fishing Clinic
Eyes like saucers and the biggest grin you can imagine was the look that my children had on their faces as they pulled in groupers. At that time, they were preteens, we were fishing offshore near Steinhatchee, FL. This was our first time fishing as a family. We had an opportunity to go with a charter captain who was also a college associate. My children, now well into their twenties, still reminisce about that trip and how much fun they experienced. I was fortunate enough to have the resources and developed relationships to make that trip a reality. I recognize this is not the case for many families.
I shared this experience with my best friend and because we both enjoyed fishing & giving back to the community, we agreed to seek resources to help more children learn the art of fishing. We found & joined the Academic Anglers.
The Academic Anglers Children’s Fishing Clinic was founded in 1997 by retired college president and angler, Dr. Charlie Roberts with football great John Baker. The Academic Anglers nonprofit organization has a simple goal: “Get more children fishing, more often.” They wanted to ensure that all children had the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing and receive the life skills it imparts. Over the years, the Academic Anglers Children’s Fishing Clinics have helped thousands of children learn marine safety and fishing basics, all while encouraging education-based excitement towards the outdoors. Fishing clinics have been held in: Michigan, Virginia and Florida. Clinics are open to children ages 8 to 15, consisting of hands-on classroom sessions followed by an offshore fishing trip.
The fishing clinic teaches children basics such as: boating safety, casting, knot tying & the use of a personal flotation device. A bonus includes conservation and the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem tours hosted by the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach.
What makes this program amazing? It introduces children to fishing, it builds resources through community sponsorships, it allows local avid anglers to volunteer their time, talent and wisdom in hopes of inspiring children to continue to seek the joys of feeding themselves for a lifetime. The Academic Anglers offers this program free of charge due to the generosity of various sponsors. As a board member it brings me joy to see a child’s eyes get as big as saucers with a grin to match as they reel their very first catch. It reminds me that I am part of something children will remember forever. And that’s just priceless.
For more information about the Academic Anglers Children’s Fishing Clinic please visit: www.childrensfishing.academicangler.com or contact President Stan Harrison @ 386-427-5277