INSPIRING MARINE STEWARDS

Inspiring the Youth Since 2005

Since 2005, Our mission today remains the same as it was when we started. Inspire new generations of marine stewards through education, conservation, and community outreach.

Donate today to serve our Non-Profit's young anglers. Align with out mission and help our organization continue to inspire generations of young angelers across the communities we're committed to serving.

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Founding a Conservation Legacy

Turning Passion into Purpose

From Events to a Lasting Legacy

To sustain and expand these popular programs, Karen and Rodney leveraged the advertising reach of Coastal Angler Magazine and partnered with Fish Florida, who provided fishing rods and tackle boxes. This led to the creation of Anglers for Conservation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission remains true to its roots: inspiring new generations of marine stewards through education, conservation, and community outreach, ensuring our waterways thrive for years to come.
 
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Anglers for Conservation
Our Origins

Since 2005, by working through communities and teaching families, teenagers, veterans, and children angling basics, Anglers for Conservation has encouraged the use and respect of our water resources.

NOV 2005

In 2005, the original owners of a regional magazine called Coastal Angler Magazine, Karen and Rodney Smith began a program of fishing with local kids in their home community, the event spread to other towns along the east coast of central Florida. 

GROWTH

From Melbourne to Palm Bay, to Merritt Island, then finally to Orlando, we realized the popularity of this 2-hour event for children and their parents.

NON-PROFIT
FORMALIZED

Since money was needed to run these programs, using the advertising medium of Coastal Angler Magazine and the help of Fish Florida who supplied the fishing rods and tackle boxes, we organized our first Hook Kids on Fishing programs under a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization called Anglers for Conservation, Inc.

FAST-FORWARD
TO TODAY

Our mission today is almost the same as it was ten years ago, which is to inspire new generations of marine stewards through education, conservation, and community outreach.

Teaching Respect for Nature

Empowering Future Stewards

Anglers for Conservation works with communities to teach families, teenagers, veterans, and children the basics of angling while fostering respect for our water resources. By introducing people to the joys of outdoor recreation, we empower them to become protectors of our precious natural habitats. Alongside a network of like-minded civic organizations and volunteers, we promote sustainable angling and habitat preservation to safeguard our environment for future generations to come!
 
OUR COMMUNITIES BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Why We Do What We Do

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Teaching Angling Basics

We educate families, teenagers, veterans, and children on angling fundamentals to foster a lifelong love for fishing.

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Respecting Water Resources

By encouraging mindful use of our waterways, we promote respect for the environment in every community we serve.

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Inspiring Future Protectors

Introducing people to outdoor recreation helps them become stewards of our precious natural resources for tomorrow.

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Building a Volunteer Network

We partner with civic organizations and clubs to teach sustainable angling and preserve habitats together.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Board and Staff

Our board and staff are passionate about inspiring young anglers and protecting our marine habitats. Get to know the individuals driving our mission forward.

Rodney Smith

Founder

September 15th, 1957 - December 11th, 2024

 

Carla Perscky

Executive Director

Carla Perscky is a U.S. Navy veteran, scientist, and the Executive Director of Anglers for Conservation. With over a decade of experience as a marine engineer and boat captain, Carla combines her field expertise with her passion for public engagement to advance STEM-based conservation programs that empower youth and restore coastal habitats.

Frank Schrader

President

Frank Schrader is the founder and owner of Real Estate Direct, and a dedicated outdoorsman who supports responsible conservation through mentorship, strategic planning and budgeting. With a background in business and a love for recreational fishing, he ensures fiscal responsibility and transparency in all of the organization’s operations.

Frank Catino

Frank Catino is a lifelong angler, boat captain, conservation advocate, and local leader with decades of experience in community engagement and environmental stewardship. As a former mayor of Satellite Beach and a professional fishing guide, Frank brings deep knowledge of Florida’s coastal ecosystems and a passion for educating the next generation of anglers.

Andy Noel

Vice-President, Fundraising Chair

Andy Noel is a marine industry professional and real estate agent with extensive experience in boating safety, operations, and fundraising. His leadership helps guide conservation-focused initiatives and he is deeply committed to preserving Florida’s waterways for future generations.

Schuyler Schrader

Program Director

Schuyler Schrader is a captain for his professional fishing guide business, To the Sky Charters, real estate agent for Real Estate Direct, and youth mentor committed to strengthening community ties through education and hands-on experiences. With a background in outreach and program development, Schuyler plays a key role in growing Anglers for Conservation’s presence across Florida.

Jaime Savage

James Savage is a surfer, recreational fishing enthusiast and conservationist dedicated to protecting Florida’s natural resources. With a professional background in public service and outreach, James supports the organization’s mission to connect families and youth with nature through sustainable fishing practices.

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Building a Nonprofit Mission

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Help support Anglers for Conservation's outreach efforts and join our mission to inspire the next generation of marine stewards through education, conservation and habitat restoration.

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