Freddy's School of Fish

Two cute kids and their cute parents go out for the day on a fishing boat off the Florida Keys and are taught the ups and downs of fishing. Occasional graphics tell us how to use a rod and reel, how to avoid seasickness, how to charter a boat and how to set drag and line weight. Thankfully, no one breaks into song; there are no mimes, clowns or actors dressed up as giant purple tuna fish; and no shameless promotion of a tour boat company. But while there is nothing particularly wrong with this tape, there is nothing particularly real or interesting about it either. Everyone is obviously acting, except when fish are actually being caught. My biggest criticism is that most of the different fish which are brought on board are never identified for the viewer. My biggest compliment is that all the fish are released back into the water after pictures are taken. The video does stress the importance of respecting size limits and getting fishing permits. Reasonably priced, politically correct, relentlessly ordinary, but covering a subject many kids enjoy, it's an optional purchase. Aud: P. (R. Ray)