Upon Arrival each student will receive a welcome package upon their arrival at Tarpon Lodge. This package will include a schedule, study manual and other important School information. The student will also receive a Backwater Fishing School professional Columbia fishing shirt and a cap. The School will host a reception with cocktails and light hors d’ oeuvres followed by dinner for students, paid guests and instructors.

ARRIVAL and WELCOME RECEPTION – (SUNDAY)

3:00 to 5:00pm
Hotel check-in
6:00pm
Welcome Reception – Tarpon Lodge Lounge
7:00pm
Welcome Dinner – Tarpon Lodge Dining Room
School Briefing with Q & A’s

DAY ONE – (MONDAY)

7:00am
Rob’s Continental Breakfast at the Lodge
8:00am
Classroom Instruction
Back to Basics – “Let’s go Catching”
“Thinking Like a Fish” – Fisheries
Management & Conservation
9:30am
Break
9:45am
Return to Classroom Instruction
Basic First Aid w/hook removal, Accident
Prevention and Emergency Procedures
Boating Safety/Basic Navigation
12:00pm
Lunch Break – Lodge
1:00pm
Skill Development Sessions
Group Session – Tackle Selection, Preparation and Maintenance (45 minutes)
Afternoon Review
5:30pm
Close of School - Day One
6:30pm
Student Dinner - Lodge Dining Room

DAY TWO - (TUESDAY)

6:30am
Rob's Continental Breakfast
7:00am
Boats arrive at the docks - Students will prepare and file a float plan prior to departure from the docks.
7:30am
Boat departure from Lodge docks to designated fishing areas.
Lunch
Cabbage Key. Time is at Instructor/Guide's discretion depending on fish activity and location.
4:30pm
Students return to Lodge.
6:00pm
Student Dinner - Lodge Dining Room

DAY THREE - (WEDNESDAY)

6:30am
Rob's Continental Breakfast
7:00am
Boats arrive at the docks = Students will rotate and fish from a different boat than on day two and will prepare and file a float plan prior to departure from the docks.
7:30am
Boat departure from Lodge docks to designated fishing areas.
Lunch
Box lunch provided on board.
4:30pm
Students return to Lodge
6:30 - 8:30pm
Graduation Dinner - Students and Staff - Lodge Dining Room

FAREWELL BREAKFAST and DEPARTURE - (THURSDAY)

7:00am
Rob's Continental Breakfast
8:00am
Departure from the Lodge - Some students may have already departed due to flight schedules.