The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program has announced J.W. Mitchell High School fishing team as the Grand Prize winner of its School Fishing Conservation Project Competition. The students engaged in various conservation activities, including cleaning local waterways and restoring aquatic habitats.
Participants in the FWC’s 2023-24 School Fishing Club Program were required to plan at least one conservation project to qualify for program funding. Prizes from partners were offered as incentives for completing multiple conservation initiatives throughout the year. The competition awarded points based on club participation in activities aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
“Programs like the School Fishing Club are integral to introducing Florida’s youth to the great sport of fishing and inspiring stewardship of our marine resources,” said Jessica McCawley, Director of Marine Fisheries Management. “These students are the next generation of anglers, and we are pleased to continue supporting their passion and maintaining our state as the Fishing Capital of the World.”
J.W. Mitchell High School received a set of sunglasses from Hobie Eyewear and a private custom rod-building class with Mud Hole Custom Tackle as their Grand Prize. East Bay K-3 won Second Place, while Punta Gorda Middle School secured Third Place. Prizes were provided by Hobie Eyewear, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Fish Florida, Flambeau Outdoors, and Pure Fishing.
“Supporting youth participation in angling and increasing our sustainability initiatives have been high priorities for Hobie Eyewear," said Dylan Coates, Marketing Manager of Hobie Eyewear. "Over the past few years, we’ve made conscious efforts to reduce single-use plastic in our packaging and have continued researching ways to utilize recycled materials in select product offerings."
In 2023, FWC’s School Fishing Club Program welcomed 23 new and 15 returning student angling clubs across Florida. Supported by various divisions within FWC and the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, these clubs committed to completing FWC's curriculum and at least one conservation project. Mentors provided support through hands-on training in knot-tying and fishing gear assembly.
For more information about the School Fishing Club Program, visit MyFWC.com/SFC.