Course Description

Session One: Introduction to Sport Fishing

Students will meet at the American Yacht Harbor and board the Marlin Prince, a 45-foot Viking Yacht. This session takes approximately five hours to complete. Time will be determined by factors such as weather and season. Students will be divided into two separate groups. Both groups will learn to do the following:

1.     Given program materials.
2.     Basic safety techniques.
3.     Learning basic nautical terms.
4.     Embark on a short fishing trip to introduce the student to the boat.

Upon arrival back to the dock, students will begin to learn basic boat maintenance procedures. This includes care and cleaning of the vessel, proper storage of equipment, basic explanation of fueling, and engine maintenance. 

Session Two: Boat/Tackle Safety and Maintenance 

Students will meet at the American Yacht Harbor and board the Marlin Prince. This session takes approximately five hours to complete. Time will be determined by factors such as weather and season. Students will learn to do the following:

1.     Makeup fishing rigs.
2.     Tie knots used in sports fishing.
3.     Tie & untie the boat safely.
4.     Cleaning a boat properly.

Session Three: Baits and Fishing Technique

Students will meet at the American Yacht Harbor and will learn to do the following:

1.     Go inshore fishing.
2.     Learn what baits & lures work best. 
3.     Learn how to put out a "spread". 
4.     Fish identification.
5.     Observation of inshore fishing techniques.

Session Four: Baits and Fishing Technique - Small Boat

Students will meet at the American Yacht Harbor and will review everything that was taught in Session three. Students will also learn to do the following:

1.     Small boat handling.
2.     Safety and impact of weather conditions.
3.     How to tie and untie a small boat safely.
4.     Basic maintenance and cleaning of a small boat.
5.     Observe and possibly engage in more inshore fishing.

Session Five: Baits and Fishing Technique - Deep Sea

In this session, students will learn:

1.     The purpose of each piece of equipment.
2.     How the equipment is used.
3.     The best working conditions and situations for each. 
4.     The importance of having spares for each item.
5.     How to rig ballyhoo and make leaders.

Session Six: End of Session Tournament

At the end of the tournament, a certification of completion is awarded to students by the MVP program. The certificate of completion acknowledges the skills learned and time spent with the program. It also shows that the students gain a proficiency in all subject areas. A graduation ceremony is held for all students who received a certification of completion.