Programs (In-Person) | First Mate Academy

Program students learn how to target and catch REDFISH, SNOOK, TROUT , TARPON and more!

At FIRST MATE ACADEMY we teach boating and fishing skills needed to assist a professional Charter Captain. Students are introduced to and advanced through important FIRST MATE skills and the role of second in command.

Programs/clinics (1-5 days in length) are uniquely themed by a specific topic or fish species (Redfish, Snook, Trout, Tarpon). All learning revolves around the theme of the week including catching & rigging bait, locating the targeted species, knot tying, hooks, weights, fishing line & of course catching the targeted species! Students experience hands-on learning and gain essential marine knowledge/skills including boat safety/emergency equipment, marine terminology, cast netting, rod casting & boat launch procedures. Learning takes place alongside USCG Charter Captains and professional First Mates on the water in a boat and on dry land. Safety is the #1 priority followed closely by learning and having fun!

WELCOME ABOARD!⚓️🎣

Themed programs/clinics are typically

one (1) to five (5) days from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm.

Times may vary based on specific programming.

LOCATION:

Speckled Trout Marina

370 Bayshore Drive, 34683

(Palm Harbor/Ozona)

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SUMMER 2026 (Early Bird Enrollment)

WINTER 2026

PRESIDENTS DAY 2026

BASS (freshwater)

FEBRUARY 16, 2026

Theme: BASS (freshwater)

(subject to change)

Monday - Friday

8:30 am - 1:30 pm

Ages 8-14 ($200)

Ages 15-18 ($100)

Lunch Included: Tarpon Turtle

LAKE TARPON

INQUIRIES:

Contact Captain Andy Benedict Ahoy@FirstMateAcademy.com

(727) 338-4857

SPRING BREAK 2026

INSHORE SLAM

(redfish, snook, trout)

MARCH 16-20, 2026

Theme: INSHORE SLAM

(subject to change)

Monday - Friday

8:30 am - 1:30 pm

Ages 8-14 ($575)

Ages 15-18 ($185)

Lunch Included: Molly's

SPECKLED TROUT MARINA

INQUIRIES:

Contact Captain Andy Benedict Ahoy@FirstMateAcademy.com

(727) 338-4857

REGISTRATION

PHPR

SUFS/Other

Year Round Programming!

Year round ACADEMY Programming is the best solution for long-term learning with a progression of FIRST MATE courses and associated certifications.

We offer Florida's only "Drivers Ed" for teen boaters with our Safe Teen Boaters Course TM.

Additionally, FIRST MATE ACADEMY is America's sole provider of practical First Mate training for developing anglers and boaters.

Each ACADEMY Session runs six weeks (6 class days) meeting 90 minutes once weekly.

Gain FIRST MATE boating & fishing skills!

⚓️ Learn More!

* REGISTRATION *

PHPR

SUFS & other

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FIRST MATE ACADEMY is the ONLY youth marine education program in Florida that offers in-person, hands-on, practical training from a USCG certified Charter Captain. We go above and beyond to prepare teenagers for safe boating and help “anchor down” the Safe Boaters ID Card credential! Safety is our first priority followed closely by learning, conservation and having fun!