...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 now a program run by the University of Florida/IFAS Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 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. The Sheriff's Office also has a Fishing for Success page
(Go to to Sheriff's page).

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 has continued to grow. Participation for 2007 is projected to exceed 18,000 people.

This growth means there are inadequate facilities for Fishing for Success and for Florida LAKEWATCH.  New kids fishing ponds are being 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!

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 Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC).(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.