Bob and Valerie Linder were used to freshwater fishing when they moved to Bonita Springs 3? years ago.
But they were amazed at the variety of fishing here and how different the sport can be in local waters, so they started learning all they could about the Southwest Florida environment. They talked to various experts including some at Fish Trap Marina and Master Bait in Bonita Springs.
Now they share their knowledge with the public for free during fishing clinics at Lovers Key State Park. The park holds these free fishing clinics twice a month during season and once a month during the summer. The next clinic is Tuesday.
The Linders say there is a lot more to learn than simply how to bait a hook ? environmental responsibility is important, too. The class begins with a history lesson on Lovers Key. Participants then learn how to use a cast net. While it might look hard at first, the Linders say it is easy once you get the hang of it.
?Last time we had a lady in a walker, with an oxygen tank, doing it,? Bob Linder said. ?She was 85 years old and she wanted to learn to do this and she did.?
Guests learn about their ethical responsibilities. They learn about picking up monofilament so wildlife does not get hurt. The Linders speak about preserving the grass beds and the importance of mangroves. Guests learn about what size and type of fish they are allowed to keep and which ones must be released.
?We stress the importance of nature, not just how to hold a pole,? Valerie Linder said. ?If we don?t protect it, it won?t be here.?
Guests learn about tackle, lures and live bait. There are lessons about how to be safe while fishing by bringing water, hats and cell phones. They also learn about some of the best places to fish locally.
The Linders said the bridge to the beach by Lovers Key is a great place to drop a line. You can catch trout, drum and sheepshead.
Tim Willis, of East Tennessee, was fishing from that bridge this past week.
?I usually fish under the bridge by Fort Myers Beach, but I thought this might be a good place too,? he said.
The Linders have been fishing for decades, but freshwater fishing in upstate New York was a lot different.
?We knew where the fish were all the time,? Valerie Linder said. ?Here it depends on tide, temperature and season.?
