The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Division of Freshwater Fisheries realize that the future of our resources is in the hands of our youth and the vision and commitment of the parents, extended family, teachers and friends, who help to mold their ideals and values.  Recreational fishing is an American tradition as old as the country and has long been valued for the peace and tranquility that it can provide to all those who wish to escape the pressures of life for a few blissful hours.  Fishing also provides the opportunity to spend quality time in a peaceful non-intimidating setting talking and reconnecting with family and friends.  As fishing skills develop a level of self confidence is attained and organizational and planning challenges are met. 

In addition, it is our belief that children and adults who spend time recreating in the outdoors and communing with nature learn to love and understand our fragile environment.  They become more interested in knowing the role that they play in conserving and enhancing our resources.  With that knowledge, they become better stewards of our resource making more informed choices about their daily activities that affect the environment and helping to influence others to cherish and enhance our natural heritage.

Many of the programs and links described in these pages are designed to not only allow kids to have fun and learn on their own, but also to provide parents and educators with the tools to facilitate learning about our aquatic environment and recreational fishing.  The Just Read Florida program of the Department of Education, has lots of fun reading related things for kids and families to do together.  Just click there logo to visit them.