NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Sep 5, 2000

CONTACT: Shannon Rininger or John Metcalf (407) 317-7329

BASIC FISHING PROGRAM LURES WOMEN ANGLERS

Calling all women! If you*ve ever wanted to learn the basics of freshwater fishing but didn*t have the equipment or anyone to teach you, here*s an opportunity you won*t want to miss.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is presenting "Ladies, Bait Your Own Hook," a free, freshwater fishing clinic designed for women on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. until noon. The program will be taught in two sessions. The classroom portion will begin at 8 a.m. and will be held at Seminole County Parks and Recreations Department"s Sylvan Lake Park at 845 Lake Markham Road in Sanford. After completing the classroom portion, participants will drive approximately 3 miles west on State Road 46 to Bear Pond for the actual fishing portion of the program. Bear Pond is a popular fishing lake located in the Seminole Forest Wildlife Management Area.

The half-day clinic will be taught by women in a friendly, relaxed, non-intimidating atmosphere. Subjects include fishing techniques, knot tying, bait selection, fish identification and cleaning. "In short, participants will learn everything they need to know to get started fishing," said Tonya Harmon, clinic organizer and an FWC law enforcement officer.

All fishing equipment will be provided, but participants can bring their own if they prefer. Participants may also keep the fish they catch so they should bring a cooler or other suitable container in which to transport their catch home.

Although there is no charge for the clinic, anyone participating must possess a valid Florida freshwater fishing license which may be purchased at county tax collectors" offices or their subagents, or by calling toll-free 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA and charging to a credit card.

There are only 50 openings for the clinic so to avoid disappointment please pre-register early by calling Shannon Rininger at (407) 317-7329.