Florida – Friday, May 20, 2022: The Punta Gorda Middle School Fishing Team won the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) High School Fishing Conservation Project competition.

The students completed five conservation projects, including cleaning up several bodies of water in their area and hosting a fishing clinic for their local elementary school.

Punta Gorda Middle School won the grand prize of:
– custom fishing rods from Mud Hole Custom Tackle
– Fishing tackle packs and Baitstick hats
– assorted gear from Pure Fishing

“Supporting youth education is so important to our mission at Mud Hole Custom Tackle,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole Education Program Director. “We are honored to contribute to this year’s Grand Prix competition and continue to support FWC’s efforts to lead conservation projects here in our home state of Florida.”

Crawford Mosley High School won second prize and Palatka High School won third prize.

All student fishers participating in the FWC’s 2021-2022 Secondary School Fishing Program were required to complete at least one conservation project to be eligible for funding associated with the program. FWC partners offered prizes to conservation project winners to inspire student fishers to complete multiple conservation initiatives throughout the year. FWC’s Conservation Projects competition awarded points per club participation to a variety of conservation-focused activities aimed at reducing the impacts of plastic pollution.

“We are extremely proud of the passion and dedication to conservation shown by these student anglers,” said Tom Graef, FWC Director for the Freshwater Fisheries Management Division. “Encouraging the next generation of anglers to participate in activities that help their communities and our Florida fisheries at the same time is a win for everyone involved.”

The FWC Secondary School Fishing Program welcomed 24 new fishing clubs and 13 returning student fishing clubs to the 2021 program. tests and post-tests, and at least one conservation project. Club mentors have worked with their club to provide support and hands-on training in tying and assembling fishing gear, as well as assistance at local club events to build student angler confidence in the fishing sport.

Information on the 2022-23 High School Fishing Program will be announced in the summer of 2022.

Learn more about the high school fishing program at: MyFWC.com/HSF.