Fishing for fun? Paddle in the direction of adventure

The Lifelong Outdoor Pursuits (LOP) program is offered by the Tallahassee Senior Center and Foundation and sponsored in part by Leon County Government, which also funds senior programs at six county-owned community centers through the Senior Center Foundation. Below are two months of great workshops and field trips:

LOP Fishing Workshop & Field Trip

Thanks to warmer waters in April, our local beaches, rivers and lakes offer abundant opportunities to catch the big one. Learn how at the LifeLong Outdoor Pursuits Fishing Workshop on Mon., Apr. 9, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Tallahassee Senior Center Auditorium, 1400 N. Monroe St. This all-day workshop, presented in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, features everything you need to know to hone your fishing skills, including information on bait and tackle, types of fishing rods and reels, rules and regulations, knot tying, and fishing hot spots. Hands-on casting demonstrations and lessons on throwing a cast net are also offered. Both inshore salt- and fresh- water fishing will be covered. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. Pre-registration required; workshop is limited to 30 people and fills up fast. Contact Susan.Davis@talgov.com or call 891-4065 for more info or to register.

Following the workshop will be a field trip to the quaint city of Apalachicola, on Wed., April 18. Participants may try their hand at inshore salt-water fishing off the pier at Battery Park. Fishing equipment supplied, or you may bring your own. Catch and release only. Participants must complete the fishing workshop on April 9 in order to go on the field trip. Enjoy lunch on your own in downtown Apalachicola (1 ½ hours). There will be a short stop at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Reserve (ANERR) in Eastpoint on the way home. Transportation provided by the Tallahassee Senior Center. Bus leaves TSC at 8 a.m. and returns around 6 p.m. Cost: $20 (includes transportation, bait and snacks). Bring money for lunch on your own. Registration required (limit of 25 people and must have completed LOP Fishing Workshop); contact Susan.Davis@talgov.com or call 891-4065.

LOP Kayaking Workshop & Field Trip

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience our beautiful waterways is in a kayak. Our lakes and rivers, and even nearby beaches have an abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife to discover. Join the LifeLong Outdoor Pursuits Kayaking Workshop at the FSU Seminole Reservation on Lake Bradford, 3226 Flastacowo Rd. on Monday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to learn kayak safety, how to enter and exit a kayak, paddling techniques, and information on types of gear to bring, the different types of kayaks available and where to go kayaking locally. This program is held in partnership with FSU Outdoor Pursuits and the Canoe and Kayak club. It includes hands-on demonstrations and participants will be using their new-found skills on the water. Kayaks and lunch provided. Cost: $25 per person (includes kayaks and lunch). Limited to 22 people. Pre-registration required. Email Susan.Davis@talgov.com or call 850-891-4065.

Following the workshop, on Friday, May 11, participants may take a Kayaking field trip down the beautiful Wascissa River. Jump on the bus at the Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. (leaves at 9 a.m. and will return around 3:30 p.m.) and paddle down one of North Florida’s pristine waterways (Wacissa River, Wacissa). This field trip is being led in partnership with FSU Outdoor Pursuits. Cost: $40 per person (includes transportation, kayaks, and lunch). Limited to 22 people. Pre-registration required. Email Susan.Davis@talgov.com or call 850-891-4065.