ISLAMORADA — Young anglers reeled in a master class in Florida Keys fishing at the Kids Day Fishing Seminar, held March 17 at Founders Park on Plantation Key.
Expert fishing guides and instructors volunteered to offer hands-on experience and tips for sport essentials like spin and fly casting, tying flies, casting a bait net and even poling a flats skiff.
Joan Wulff, a part-time Keys resident ranked as one of the most accurate casters ever in women’s fly-fishing history, joined the professionals helping teach kids the basics.
Wulff, holder of numerous world records and author of classic fishing guides, is 92 years old.
About 15 local guides shared their skills and knowledge, along with support from family members and community volunteers.
At the end of the free four-hour event, dozens of age-group trophies were handled out to the young participants for showing prowess in skills like line casting and throwing a good “pancake” net toss.
“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they got their trophies was the best,” said Upper Keys guide Steve Thomas, who coordinated the event along with guides Xavier Figueredo and Drew Moret.
Richard Black and Moret are among local fishing professionals who attended a similar event several years ago as young anglers.
Guides in the 63-year-old association already are looking forward to the next kids’ seminar, he said.
Centennial Bank sponsored free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. The Florida Bay Forever conservation group and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission set up information booths.
Adults could bid on donated fishing trips, with proceeds going to new Florida Keys Fishing Guides Foundation, a nonprofit program to assist guides in times of need.
For more information, visit fkfga.org or the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association page on Facebook.