The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission teamed up with Half Hitch Tackle Saturday to hold a free kids' fishing clinic at Dan Russell Pier.

The Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling and the Sport Fish Restoration were also part of the event.

Over 150 kids between the ages of four and 16 turned out for the clinic aimed at teaching young anglers about responsible fishing and safety.

It began at 9 Saturday morning and ran until noon. Each child went through five instructional booths before getting their very own bait and fishing equipment and putting their skills to use.

Organizers say children who are exposed to fishing before the age of 12 will become life long anglers.

Saturday's clinic was a catch and release event. All fish caught were released back into the Gulf.