Fishing was first documented by Egyptian artwork and is one of the oldest and most popular outdoor activities. Nobody knows who invented fishing, but we do know that over 100,000 years ago, people fished with spears, nets, traps and poisons. There are two general reasons why people fish – for food and for fun. Fishing has evolved from using horse hair for line, bone for a hook, stone for a weight, and a stick as the rod; to high-tech graphite rods, spider-wire, electronic reels and fancy “real-life” looking lures. No matter the equipment used, fishing is still exciting and done throughout the world in fresh and salt water.

As fish populations decline from habitat loss and over-fishing, anglers increasingly support fishing rules and regulations that protect the world’s resources. Some fishing laws specify limits on catching certain species of fish of certain sizes during certain seasons. One of the best ways for an angler to ensure fishing for the future is to practice catch and release, that is, release the fish they catch and keep only photos and memories.

Different agencies are responsible for making and enforcing fishing regulations. In Florida, wildlife officers with the Florida Game and Fish Commission enforce fishing regulations.
IGFA provides angling rules to promote ethical and sporting angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for world gamefish records, and to provide basic angling guidelines for fishing tournaments.

Fishing is a skill and a sport that anyone can enjoy. People who fish with a line, hook and bait are called anglers or fishers. (Although the term “fisherman” is more common, we recommend using “angler” or “fisher” to include everyone who fishes.) Most anglers learn to fish from other anglers; a parent teaches their children, and friends teach friends. Some people learn from professional guides and instructors.

Fish is very nutritious food. It’s high in protein, B vitamins, vitamins A and D, and minerals such as iodine, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and calcium.

There is a lot more to fishing that just throwing a hook and bait into the water. To be a great angler, one must understand the equipment being used, the different kinds of bait, how to tie knots, current local, state and federal regulations, catch and release techniques and of course, safety.

T o be a great angler, students must:

• learn the basic parts and functions of a fish.
• learn the habitats in which fish live.
• learn the basic parts and functions of equipment.
• learn the different species of bait.
• learn how to tie specialized knots.
• learn Florida State regulations.
• learn catch and release techniques.
• learn safe and ethical angling.

In Fishing Clinic 1, participants will learn all what a great angler needs to know.  In Fishing Clinic 2, partipants will not only learn what a great anlger needs to know, but also put it to practice by fishing out in IGFA's front ponds!

Do you know???

Are all reels alike?
Are all rods alike?
Which two knots are most often used in leisure fishing?
Why are regulations important?
Why is it important to follow proper catch and release techniques?
Why must you understand the safety aspect before you go fishing?
Why is fishing a sport that can be done by anyone at any age?
To be a great angler, why is it important to understand and know about the environment?

Click to register on-line.

For more information or to register please call (954) 924-4309, fax (954) 924-4333,
e-mail or mail to:

IGFA

Attn: Education Department

300 Gulf Stream Way

Dania Beach, FL 33004

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