Your Next Great Fishing Adventure!

Hook your first bite with Tampa Bay Watch

by Mia McCormick

Do you remember that time we caught a fish so big that it pulled the boat halfway to Mexico?

Tall tales are part of the fun when you’re on the water with your family waiting for a bite. Learning how to fish and care for the environment fish live in, is a great way to connect with each other and our beautiful Tampa Bay estuary. Our Fish Friendly Program is here to introduce your family to the fun. No gear needed! We caught up with program leader and biologist Dakoeta Pinto.

Q: Dakoeta who is the program designed for?

D: Our Fish Friendly program is for all ages. We’ll be teaching you the basics of fishing, like knot tying, what basic tackle to use, and how to handle fish appropriately. Even if you’ve never been fishing before it’s super fun to come on our tour, it can strengthen that connection between you and the environment.

Fish from the shade of our 45ft eco-vessel

Q: How is this tour different from other fishing tours?

D: At Tampa Bay Watch we want to look out for the environment, we offer this fishing program to teach fishers how to be good stewards of the environment. You’ll learn things like how to do catch and release practices and how to clean up after yourself when you are on the water. On this boat we can teach you what to do if you accidentally catch a bird or other bycatch.

Q: How do responsible fishing practices benefit the environment?

D: Fishers are on the water more than anyone else, and they have a responsibility to keep that environment healthy and safe. For example, if you see fishing line or gear left in the water, it’s our responsibility to clean it up. Fishing is more than just going out to catch a fish, it’s also about your personal connection to the environment.

Ready to build family bonds, connect with your environment, and create a tall tale of your own on your next great fishing adventure? Book a spot on our Fish Friendly tour this summer by clicking here.