By Kim Scotto-Kelley

Editor’s note: The event scheduled for March 14 has been postponed. The information below was posted prior to this announcement. Stay tuned for announcements regarding future Family Fishing Days.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation kicks off its first 2020 Family Fishing Day this Saturday, March 14.

Each month’s free catch-and-release event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at 7922 NW 71st Street in Gainesville. The facility hosts six ponds stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish and bluegill.

“Family Fishing Days are open to all,” said Chuck Cichra, professor of fisheries and aquatic sciences and UF/IFAS Extension specialist. “A couple of years ago, Felipe Quintana, a local Boy Scout, built us a new wheelchair accessible dock, which makes it even easier for families to fish together. It’s a great opportunity to get away from digital distractions and get introduced to the sport of fishing.”

Each fishing day has a theme, including celebrations for Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. The event on March 14 will honor civil servants. All civil servants who attend will receive a free vintage fishing lure.

UF/IFAS has held Family Fishing Days for many years. “We’ve had parents coming back that were here as kids,” Cichra said. “We’ve had as many as four generations of a family here.”

While many families return each year, no experience is required to participate.

“If you have never fished before, that’s fine!” Cichra said. “We have all the tackle and bait that you need, along with volunteers who can teach you how to bait your hook, cast a rod or use a cane pole, and even how to take a fish off of your hook.”

For more information about the program and the full schedule, visit sfrc.ufl.edu/fish/outreach/ffs/ffd.

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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS

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