Fish Florida’s 2008 accomplishments:
- 21,000 rods, reels, and tackle kits donated to 79 kids’ fishing clinics in 50 Florida cities
- $119,000.00 granted to 13 Florida organizations engaged in fishing, habitat, and conservation programs
- $200,000 Endowment created to give Fish Florida sustainability to plan for the long-term and meet our future needs and autonomy to give us independence from funding trends outside our control.
“Fish Florida is supporting outstanding organizations who are offering exciting opportunities for children to learn about fishing. Many children who have never been on a boat or caught a fish will have their first experience; it can be the start of a life-ling hobby,” said Lara Kramer, Director of Fish Florida. “We also want to thank everyone who purchased the Fish Florida license plate. It is what makes our programs possible.”
Fish Florida’s funding comes from the Fish Florida specialty license plate, featuring Florida’s saltwater fish – the sailfish. Anglers, boaters, and others purchase thousands of Fish Florida plates, demonstrating their dedication to the future of their sport.
At least 75% of every dollar from license plate proceeds is used for programs, with less than 25% being spent on administration and marketing. The Fish Florida plate is for sale at local Department of Motor Vehicle offices or link to online purchasing through Fish Florida’s website at www.fishfloridatag.org.
Buying the Fish Florida license plate is just one way to help. Fish Florida encourages you to spread the word about its programs, ask for posters or bumper stickers you can give away, and volunteer to teach kids to fish.
Fish Florida is a non-profit organization created in 1998 to cast awareness on Florida fisheries and aquatic habitats. Fish Florida supports organizations teaching people, especially children, about fishing, freshwater and marine habitats, and aquatic resource stewardship. Since its founding in 1998, Fish Florida has helped over 100,000 children participate in fishing clinics throughout Florida.
Fish Florida programs (rod and reel donations, grants, and scholarships) are available to organizations teaching aquatic education or kids’ fishing clinics in Florida. More information about how to apply for these programs is available on the Fish Florida website.
Kids’ fishing clinic photos and a detailed list of rod and reel, grant, and scholarship recipients are available. Please contact Lara Kramer at fishflorida@bellsouth.net, 954-927-8361 for more information.