The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier will host its inaugural Take-A-Kid Fishing Day this Saturday, Oct. 7 starting at 9 a.m. for kids 6-12 years of age.
- The free event aims to teach the next generation of anglers how to fish, according to Eric Brown, general manager of the pier. He said rods, bait, tackle and fishing instruction will be provided by staff and local experts.
Jessica Valek, Coastal Resource Coordinator with the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Department, said several organizations will have educational activities for children at the event. The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance will teach monofilament recycling, while FWC law enforcement will have a presence on the pier.
Little Adventures and the tourism department’s Coastal Resource Team will educate attendees about local wildlife and how to protect marine life, Valek said. She noted that teaching proper fishing and fish handling techniques is important.
- “They’re going to be learning all of these different fishing techniques, but they’re also going to be learning about our marine and wildlife life in general, and what they can do to help protect them in the future,” Valek said.
Brown said that 90% of the pier’s summer clientele includes both local children and visitors. He wants to teach etiquette along with proper techniques for different species.
“Pier fishing is completely different from being on the shore or from a boat,” he said. “So we’re going to teach them proper pier etiquette, how to fish, and certain tackle used for certain species.”
The free event is sponsored by Half-Hitch Tackle, Pepsi, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach, St. Joe’s Shrimp and FWC. More information can be found on the pier’s social media.
No registration is required.
