...a hook and a line and the fishin's just fine!

Fishing For Success (FFS) is a multifaceted program that uses fishing and other related activities as the "hook" to introduce children of all ages to various aspects of fisheries and aquatic environmental sciences. The current program began in 1998, and has constantly evolved to meet the needs of 4-H extension faculty, teachers, youth group leaders and the community at large. The initial focus of the program was to provide mentoring and career counseling to a small group of underprivileged youth.

Fishing for Success is part of the UF/IFAS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation and Florida LAKEWATCH with help from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), the Gainesville Police Department, and the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

Today, through a combination of on-site and off-site tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and community fishing events, the program provides education, recreation, and rehabilitation therapy to a large, broad demographic slice of the population. Participation in FFS programs tripled from 2003-2004 and totaled 17,197 in 2007. Participation in 2008 - 2011 totaled 32,668, in 406 programs/tours, events. 

This participation means there are inadequate facilities for Fishing for Success and for Florida LAKEWATCH.  New kids' fishing ponds have been built.  Now a pavilion, restrooms and a working aquarium are needed.  The FFS share of the $1,000,000 needed is $200,000.  Each private dollar raised will be matched with a public dollar.  Help Build a Home for Florida LAKEWATCH and Fishing for Success!

Aluminum Can Recycling:  You can help FFS by collecting cans. Funds received from recycled cans help support the program.  Join with us and other groups and save those cans!  Drop them off here or bring them to Family Fishing Days.  For more information: Dan Canfield Jr. decan@ufl.edu

Kudos for FFS!  Company specializing in fishing tackle praises FFS. Read article online.

I made a wish I'd catch a fish
and get it on to shore.

With Mom and Dad to cheer me on, I think I'll fish for more!

FFS also provides recreation and rehabilitation therapy for groups such as the Assoc. of Retarded Citizens (ARC).

Participants in one of FFS's Special Programs show off their catch from a day of electrofishing at Lake Wauberg.

Students examine a crawfish they collected with a dipnet during an on-site school field trip.