To address these concerns, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has established four urban fishing projects in the major metropolis areas of Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa/St. Pete, and Dade/Broward counties. A total of 25 ponds covering 583 acres are included in the program. These programs are 75% federally reimbursed by the Sport Fish Restoration Program, the nation's premier user-pays, user-benefits program.

These ponds are stocked with popular sport fishes such as channel catfish and sunshine bass, which grow well in crowded conditions. Other management techniques include creating bank access, controlling aquatic vegetation, and placing fish feeders and brush piles to attract and hold fish in areas where anglers can get to them. Many sites also have aerators to keep fish healthy and active even during hot summer months.

Each of these projects include special activities for youth. Fishing clinics are set up with local schools or the parks department to bring groups of kids to the site to learn about the aquatic environment and the importance of conserving it. They also learn some fish identification and biology. Then they learn about fishing tackle and are loaned equipment to go fishing for an hour or so--many of the kids get their first introduction to fishing this way.

Less formal programs include fishing rodeos for youths, seniors or the physically challenged. These involve a less detailed educational component and more time to fish, often with tackle supplied by the FWC and occasionally with soft drinks and prizes provided by local sponsors.

The outstanding benefits from this program are generated at relatively moderate cost due to local support. Hundreds of thousands of hours of fishing enjoyment are produced by this program, where virtually no fishing existed before. This is a tremendous boon to the local economy, including tackle stores, restaurants, and gas stations (an average angler spends $11.56 per hour on a fishing trip). In addition, educational benefits cannot be over emphasized--without programs like this, many urban youth would never go fishing and develop a connection to the resource, which helps nurture a concern for protecting nature. Studies such as those done by the "Hooked on Fishing--Not on Drugs" program have shown that teaching kids to fish provides an important chance for them to develop self esteem, independence and a hobby that occupies their time enjoyably, thus reducing the negative effect of many of the temptations faced by innercity youths.

So come on, grab your family or a friend and check out one of the urban fishing sites. If you like it, let us know, we are always looking for new sponsors and volunteers, for a variety of programs including "Florida Fishing and Boating Buddies." [Editor's note: subsequent to the posting of this update the FFBB was disbanded due to lack of funds and as of 1 July 2001the Legislature eliminated the volunteer coordinator position. Volunteers are still accepted but should contact the office manager closest to them to find out about opportunities (Map).