The City of Clermont and The Florida Angler have partnered to bring you the Stop Wishing, Go Fishing Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon June 8 at Waterfront Park, 330 3rd St.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days, June 8-9, during which the freshwater fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers.
“As one of most recreationally utilized lake systems in Florida, the Clermont Chain of Lakes provides the perfect opportunity to teach new fishermen and to improve the skills of the experienced angler,” said Scott Davidoff, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “The City of Clermont is proud to partner with a local business with years of experience in teaching everyone how to enjoy this lifelong activity.”
At the Stop Wishing, Go Fishing Clinic, you can rotate through three stations of education and training: Fishing in Florida, Tackling Gear and Techniques. You’ll find the registration form posted to the Facebook event, at https://bit.ly/31506uR or available in person at the Clermont City Center, 620 W. Montrose St., where all forms must be mailed or dropped off. Registration also will be available onsite about a half hour before the event starts, but spots are limited and only cash or check will be accepted onsite (no credit cards).
This event is open to the public with a $10 registration fee per person, plus tax. The suggested participation age is 6 and up, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Florida is the sport fishing capital of the world. Come learn why you don’t want to miss out on the action.
The event’s Fishing in Florida station will cover conservation, regulations, preservation, freshwater vs. saltwater and inshore vs. offshore fishing. The Tackling Gear station will focus on rods, reels, tackle and equipment, including spinning vs. casting, line, lures and the importance of sun protection. The Techniques station will give you valuable scouting tips on where to look, and it also will bust some popular fishing myths.
“We are very excited to kick off FWC’s License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days with an educational and fun local event – and ways to get you out on the water enjoying Florida’s amazing natural resources,” said Ashley Condon, Chief Outdoor Officer of The Florida Angler, a full-service premium outfitter for all levels of anglers that opened in 2018 in Downtown Clermont. “The Clermont Chain of Lakes is one of the finest in the state, with a thriving ecosystem and plenty of species to target throughout the year. This is a great time to gear up before Father’s Day and the rest of summer, and we try to keep that experience personal.”
The City of Clermont has four fishing piers – Palatlakaha Pier on Lake Palatlakaha; and the 8th, 5th and 2nd street piers on Lake Minneola. The Clermont Chain of Lakes features 11 lakes where you’ll find Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Shellcracker, Sunshine Bass, Bluegill and Bowfin. The Clermont Chain of Lakes is one of Florida’s most recreationally polished lake systems and has some of the best largemouth bass fishing in the world. So stop wishing and go fishing!
For more information on the Stop Wishing, Go Fishing Clinic, call 352-708-5975.