A new free public program has come to De Soto National Memorial—the De Soto Rancho Fishing Clinic. The clinic is scheduled October 15, November 20, December 26, January 2, February 18, March 25 and March 28, with plans for more into the new year. Each camp starts with a basic introduction to fishing rods, reels, lines, and lures. Proper knot tying techniques are shown and practiced, and casting, one of the trickiest and most important parts of fishing, is practiced in a fun and safe way. In addition, everyone will receive a crash course in identification of native fish species and the Florida rules and regulations that go along with each fish. After all of this has been learned and practiced, the clinic goes fishing. Rods and bait provided. These small, ranger-led clinics will consist of no more than ten participants (excluding parents or guardians) and give an introduction into saltwater fishing in southwest Florida. Participants will be first-come, first-served. One parent or guardian must accompany the child (if under 16) to the clinic. To sign up, call 941-792-0458 and speak with a ranger or send an e-mail to deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov. Include child's name, age, parental contact name and phone number.

De Soto Rancho Fishing Clinic