Over the weekend more than 30 kids, mostly from the  Boys and Girls Club of Collier County, took over our docks on a mission to hook the biggest fish.  The free fishing clinic was Hamilton Harbor’s way of celebrating National Marina Day.  We provided the bait and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Collier County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol provided the instruction, including how to bait and remove hooks and cast.  The officers also taught the young fishermen about conservation, identifying which types of fish are in season and OK to keep.  

For many of the kids, this was their first experience with a rod and reel, but patience and persistance paid off with a few big catches, including Snook and Sheapshead.  ”It’s so important that young people have something productive and positive to do with their time,” said Todd Byrns of the Collier County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol.”The fishing clinic helped them learn about conservation and the environment while having a great time.”  It will now be an annual event at the Harbor.

Click here for local news coverage of the event!