Suncoast Boat Show: Take Your Kids To A Free Fishing Clinic

SARASOTA, FL -- If you're looking for something to do this weekend with your children, why not take them to a free fishing clinic. Up to 200 children will also take home a new rod and reel at the 37th Annual Suncoast Boat Show.

The clinic is led by the not-for-profit Hook the Future, whose founder travels the country teaching children how to fish in an effort to promote quality time among children and their parents.

While the fishing clinic is free, tickets for the boat show are $15 for adults and free for children 15 and under. Adults must purchase a ticket to participate in the fishing clinic with their children.

The fishing clinics will be held at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 and also at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28.

“I want parents to see that fishing is a great way to spend time with your kids and enjoy each other’s company,” said Capt. Don Dingman, who started the classes after losing his own son in 2004. “The Boat Show is a great way to spend a weekend together -- and parents might even learn a thing or two at the clinic.”

Registration is not required and up to 50 free rods and reels will be given away at each clinic.

Dingman has a TV show called "Hook the Future" featuring kids from all over the world as they join him on fishing trips.

He starts his clinics by discussing the types of fish that kids might want to catch. Then he educates them about water columns, types of bait and two-color lures. Dingman's show is seen by more than 100 million households across the country.

He will also hold a kids’ only raffle to give away fishing and marine products.

The Suncoast Boat Show has more than 400 power boats on display as well as all types of marine gear.

In addition to the youth fishing clinics, there will also be a large selection of exhibits at this
year's show, fun and educational activities as well as marine seminars. Be sure to catch the never publicly displayed, one-of-a-kind stainless steel houseboat for sale for $12 million.

The boat first drew buzz on social media when it was spotted in the waters in Tampa last year and was shrouded in mystery because of its unique shape and all-steel construction. Named Rendezvous 2018, the boat is open for tours and is for sale (fully furnished) at the show through Sunday.

The 84 x 40-foot boat is shaped like a cube and took 44 months to complete by Cubic Yachts, according to show organizers. It features a comfortable living space — 9,100 square feet total (4,500 air conditioned) — and was originally built as a recreational boat for a Tampa family. They are selling the boat because they are building a similar steel vessel - only bigger.

The show takes place at Marina Jack, which is located at 2 Marina Plaza in Sarasota. The event is owned and produced by Informa Exhibitions, U.S. Boat Shows division which also produces the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (the largest in-water boat show in the world), Palm Beach International Boat Show, Miami Yacht Show and the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show.

Visit suncoastboatshow.com for more information.