ESSEX, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is seeking volunteers to become ‘Let’s Go Fishing’ instructors to pass on Vermont’s fishing tradition. The department will be hosting a one-day training workshop for new instructors on Saturday, April 13 at the Essex District Office at 111 West Street, Essex Junction, Vermont.
Instructors in the ‘Let’s Go Fishing’ program organize and instruct clinics in their communities for Vermonters of all ages. Participants in the training workshop will learn how to teach a basic fishing clinic, as well as learn about fishing ethics, aquatic ecology, fisheries management, habitat conservation and tackle craft. They will also be introduced to conducting specialized fishing clinics, including clinics on ice fishing and species-specific fishing. The class is informal and it is not necessary to have a high level of fishing expertise to become an instructor.
“Becoming a Let’s Go Fishing instructor will give you the opportunity to introduce Vermonters both young and old to the joys of fishing, while teaching them all they need to know to enjoy a day on the water,” said Corey Hart, education specialist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.
New this year, the department is partnering with Castleton College to offer one graduate-level credit for participants. For those seeking to earn a credit for the course, there is a $125 fee to cover the cost of the credit. The training is free for those not seeking college credit.
All curriculum materials and lunch will be provided. The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and you must be 18 years of age to participate and pass a background check. Those interested can register through April 10 at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.