Expert cast teaches fishing lessons in Lakewood Ranch

For Lakewood Ranch's Zain Kamal, 7, learning how to fish from the experts at Summerfield Park was a day to remember. 

"It’s just a cool hobby that I like," Kamal said. "You can do so many things like fishing and have fun with friends." 

The Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar, presented by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, provided kids between the ages of 5-19 the opportunity to learn the basics of fishing. 

Ed Van Stedum, who is the president of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club, has been fishing his whole life and is delighted to help pass fishing skills to the next generation.

"Our goal is two things — to bring smiles and to bring memories for these children," Van Stedum said. "This seems to accomplish that." 

Four different stations — knot tying, tackle, rules, and casting — were set up in the rotation.

Lakewood Ranch's Erica Abajian attended the seminar with her 8-year-old son, Wyatt. She said it far exceeded her expectations as she thought they were going to sit in a classroom and just listen to an instructor for an hour. She was overjoyed that it was so hands-on learning. 

She said Wyatt has fished before and has been quite lucky in catching fish. She is confident he will walk away with more knowledge and awareness in terms of safety, what equipment to use, and more. 

Carl Blazejewski, a member of the club for 3 years, was in charge of the knot tying station. He said he gets a kick out of teaching children and hopes they are inspired to get outside and enjoy all of the beautiful locations around Lakewood Ranch. 

Ed Catalane has been involved in the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club for eight years and he ran the casting station. He said he "fishes like a madman" and is glad to expose children to fishing as he didn't have that opportunity growing up. 

He enjoys seeing the light bulb moment, when kids become confident they will get the hang of fishing.

"Their whole disposition changes," Catalane said. "A lot of times we even see these kids at the tournament we have and it's like they're different people. They come here and then they show up at the tournament like they own the place. It's the coolest thing." 

The Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club is hosting a similar event "Casting with Confidence: A Women's Fishing Seminar" on May 9. It will take place at James Patton Park from 9:30-11 a.m. Registration is required.