Fish Florida Tags 20,000 New Anglers Fishing Near You

Sales of Fish Florida license plates helps kids’ fishing clinics and more statewide

HOLLYWOOD, FL (December 15, 2009) - Because of sales of over 23,000 Fish Florida specialty license tags statewide this year, the non-profit conservation organization was able to hook up over 20,000 kids with a new rod and reel combo.

“Not only that,” said Lara Kramer, Director of Fish Florida, “but in 2009, we used funds from the sailfish specialty plate to donate more for grants and scholarships.” She gave the following highlights for the year:

• 20,575 rods, reels, and tackle kits to 81 organizations who conducted over 160 kids’ fishing clinics in 65 Florida cities

• $79,000.00 in grants to 20 organizations leading fishing and conservation education programs

• $10,000 in scholarships to marine science students at the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University

“We love being able to help kids, who are the future of fishing,” said Ms. Kramer. “We want to thank those who bought the Fish Florida license plate in the past and encourage others to buy them in the future.”

Fish Florida’s funding comes from the Fish Florida specialty license plate, featuring Florida’s saltwater fish – the sailfish. Anglers and boaters bought 23,500 sailfish plates last year.

“They look great on your truck and trailer and they help kids learn to fish,” said Ms. Kramer. “More than 75% of every dollar we get from the license plate goes to our various programs.”

The Fish Florida plate is for sale at County Tax Collector offices statewide or link to online purchasing through Fish Florida’s website - fishfloridatag.org.

Buying the Fish Florida license plate is just one way to help. Fish Florida asks you to spread the word about its programs, get our postcards to give away, donate and volunteer to teach kids to fish.

Fish Florida is a non-profit organization created to cast awareness on Florida fisheries and aquatic habitats. It helps organizations teaching people, especially children, about fishing, freshwater and marine habitats and aquatic resource stewardship. Since its 1998 founding, Fish Florida has helped 200,000 children participate in fishing clinics all over Florida.

Fish Florida programs (fishing equipment donations, grants, and scholarships) are available to organizations teaching aquatic education and kids’ fishing clinics in Florida. More information about how to apply is available on Fish Florida’s website.

Kids’ fishing clinic photos and a detailed list of fishing equipment, grant, and scholarship recipients are available. For more information, please contact Lara Kramer at fishflorida@bellsouth.net, 954-927-8361.