Getting kids hooked on fishing

There's more for kids to do than just see the big boats at the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show this weekend. Children ages 4-16 can sign up for free Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics during the four-day event.

Capt. Don Dingman, a professional offshore angler who hosts a TV show of the same name, offers the clinics to get kids hooked — get it? — on the sport. Dingman says he was 4 years old when he took his first fishing trip in a boat. He's been on the water ever since. "When a kid catches fish, the confidence that comes with the catch carries over into their everyday lives," he said.

Dingman, 47, says the show has become more than just a fishing show. He says it is about families spending quality time together. That means a lot to Dingman, whose son and fishing buddy, Brian, died in 2004.

"I think the biggest message I have for parents is that my friends used to ask me all the time, 'Do you have to bring him every time?' Now that he's gone, I'm so grateful my answer was always, 'YES!' "

Dingman, a native of Florida, recently chatted about why it's important to get kids on the water, why his job never feels like work and why parents sometimes are more enthusiastic at the clinics than their kids.

Tell me about your first experience catching a fish. Was it a feeling of accomplishment?

"You bet! Fishing is a great equalizer. The fish don't know who's holding the rod. Kids can catch the same thing adults can, if given the chance."

How did you decide that this was what you wanted to do with your life?

"I've fished all my life and been a charter captain for years, and just enjoy taking kids out on the water more than anything. I wanted to show that fishing is not so difficult (fish are not smart) and you don't need to be a tournament winner to have a great day on the water. Fishing is supposed to be fun, and what's more fun than sharing in the memory of a kids first big catch?"

Is fishing more recreation or work for you now?

"Are you kidding . . . it's all fun, even though there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. I've been very blessed to do what I love for a living. How can I complain?"

Is fishing a sport that kids seem to be attracted to these days or is fishing on a video game system a powerful draw that you are trying to battle?

"Fishing is definitely a sport that kids are attracted to. Kids just want to be good at something to be known for something . . . Not every kid can be the starting quarterback, but every kid can be a good fisherman. If given the opportunity to go, a simple fishing trip can deeply impact a child's life."

On your Web site, it says that you lost your 22-year-old son Brian in 2004. Did you shy away from fishing at the time or did it bring you some solace?

"It was a very hard time. Our next scheduled shoot was out of Miami with my friend, Capt. Ray Rosher and his daughter, Brittney. I'm not sure if it had been with anyone else under any other circumstances, if I would have continued with the show. The support from our friends and fans was overwhelming. We aired a small dedication within the show about Brian, and we received thousands of E-mails. We were so lucky to have Brian in our lives for 22 years. He's with us in everything we do."

Do you have other kids?

"Yes, my daughter Capt. Jacqui Grant (recently married), who has been the production manager behind the scenes for the last two years and will now be sharing the hosting duties on the show. Jacqui will definitely bring a new look to the show. I'm sure the viewers will love her as much as we do. Jacqui also helps teach the kids clinics."

What do you think is the best age for a child to take up this sport?

"As soon as they want to go. I can remember my wife changing Jacqui's diaper with four dolphin on at once."

What do parents tell you after their kids take the clinics?

"We receive many sincere 'Thank You's' and heartfelt handshakes. We end each clinic by saying, "Kids, your parents didn't have to bring you down here today. You should give them a hug and tell them thanks and you love them, and parents when you receive that hug, stop what you're doing, hang up the phone, and know there is nothing more precious in life. We lost Brian six years ago and I sure wish I could get a hug from him today."

What would be a good kit to put together for a kid who wants to start fishing?

"It really depends on what your fishing for. The main thing is to give them the tools they need to succeed. We are giving away free rod and reel combos to the kids attending the clinics (while supplies last)."

Is it expensive?

"You don't have to spend a lot of money to be successful at fishing."

When you give the seminars, do you use live bait?

"No live bait. We don't actually fish at the clinics but we truly teach you what you need to know to catch fish. Parents usually come in thinking, 'Wow a kids clinic,' and by the end of the clinics they have their hands up asking more questions than the kids."

Sherry Robinson can be reached at (727) 893-8305 or robinson@sptimes.com.