In 2005, the original owners of a regional magazine called Coastal Angler Magazine, Karen and Rodney Smith began a program of fishing with local kids in their home community, the event spread to other towns along the east coast of central Florida. From Melbourne to Palm Bay, to Merritt Island, then finally to Orlando, we realized the popularity of this 2-hour event for children and their parents.

Since money was needed to run these programs, using the advertising medium of Coastal Angler Magazine and the help of Fish Florida who supplied the fishing rods and tackle boxes, we organized our first Hook Kids on Fishing programs under a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization called Anglers for Conservation, Inc. Our mission today is almost the same as it was ten years ago, which is to inspire new generations of marine stewards through education, conservation, and community outreach.

By working through communities and teaching families, teenagers, veterans, and children angling basics, we encourage the use and respect of our water resources. We believe by introducing today’s people to the pleasures of outdoor recreation, folks will become better protectors of the precious natural resources for tomorrow. The Anglers for Conservation works with a network of like-minded civic organizations and clubs who volunteer to assist with our mission of teaching about sustainable angling and habitat preservation.