Fishing experts teach all the angles

Ninety-four kids learned fishing techniques April 6 thanks to volunteers from the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club. 

Blue green algae in Lake Uihlein prevented the club from holding its annual fishing tournament that was scheduled for April 13 but the annual Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar at Summerfield Park went forward as scheduled. 

Roman Olievsky Sr., was one parent who signed his three sons up for the seminar. He also received a refresher course by tagging along.

“This is amazing what they’re doing here because they’re hitting the right spots,” he said. “It’s perfect for reinforcement of the rules, or if you’re a beginner, you’re getting the proper and correct information.” 

The volunteers taught two one-hour seminars that were broken into four fishing stations: Rules, Tackle, Knots and Casting. 

Third grader Aksel Soares had been fishing before, but he never learned how to tie a knot by himself. 

Club member Joe Kaminsky taught the kids how to tie a blood knot and a uni knot. The difference between the two is that a uni knot slides, and a blood knot locks in place. 

Captains Jake Andrews and Nick Limoncelli from Premier Tackle volunteered their casting and tackle expertise. And Fish Florida donated 100 beginner sets, so each child left with a rod, reel and tackle box. 

Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club President Ed Van Stedum said if any of the kids need help rigging the fishing poles, they can bring them to Premier Tackle or to one of the club’s regular Learn to Fish events at James L. Patton Park. 

“For me, it’s all about making memories for the children,” Van Stedum said. “So many of us grew up fishing. Nothing pleases us more than teaching something close to nature and something that’s fun. We love to give back, and we love to see smiles.”