Guy Harvey Magazine is focused on fishing, boating, scuba diving, and marine conservation. Portfolios from the world's best fishing photographers, articles on gear, travel, tournaments, apparel, lifestyle, seafood recipes, sustainable fisheries.
Issue link: https://guyharveymag.epubxp.com/i/53451
Six years ago, Captain Richard Brochu started teaching kids about fishing. An experienced charter captain, he got involved with at-risk youth after discovering that Florida— though considered the Fishing Capital of the World— offered no school-affiliated fishing clubs. Since forming The Florida Fishing Academy in 2006, he and his team of volunteers have impacted the lives of nearly 4,000 kids. This year, the Academy is bringing its highly- praised youth boating program to Riviera Beach, Florida. The program targets third-through-eleventh graders and will provide on-the-water instruction in boating safety, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and rowing. Classes are expected to start in January, and the program is being made possible by a three-year, $30,000-a-year contract from the Riviera Beach Teaching Through Fishing Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and a gift of $10,000 from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Funds from GHOF are ear-marked for the purchase of kayaks, sailboats, snorkeling gear, and other necessary equipment. "This new equipment and contract from Riviera Beach will allow us to continue to grow and meet the needs of more at-risk children," says Brochu, whose curriculum incorporates 50% evidence-based life skills along with specific hands-on sessions for on-the-water activities. "No course is less than 10 sessions and we also incorporate an appreciation and understanding of the environment as part of the learning experience." For GHOF, supporting the program is part of an effort to not only fund marine research, but to promote programs that stimulate future scientists and new stewards of the marine environment. "The Florida Fishing Academy is one of the finest community outreach programs in the state and one of our foundation's favorite educational initiatives," says Steve Stock, president of GHOF. In addition to grants, sponsorships, and donations, The Florida Fishing Academy reaches out to Florida's at-risk youth through fishing, boating, and marine conservation programs. Cayman Team Takes Tropic Star Tourney Panama's Tropic Star Lodge kicks off its season each year with an international tournament that draws teams from all over the western hemisphere. Congratulations to Guy and Cayman Island team "Los Bamafos" for taking top honors this fall with 900 points. In consecutive years, a team from the Cayman Islands has won this prestigious event and will represent the Cayman Islands in the International Tournament of Champions in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, next November. The tournament also provided an opportunity for Guy and award-winning producer George Schellenger to capture some heart-pounding fishing action on film to be used as part of an upcoming documentary on billfish in Panama. Brochu said the academy raises money to support its programs through fishing charters, evening cruises, kayak tours, snorkeling, and kids camps. The academy owns a sportfishing vessel and provides fishing charters for up to 12 passengers. For more information: (561) 740-7227; www.floridafishingacademy.com Two members of team Los Bamafos, Andi Marcher and Jason Ward show off two blue marlin release flags next to the Cayman flag.