MONTPELIER, Vt. – Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Many anglers remember their first fishing experience with a parent or mentor who taught them the basics and gave them the opportunity to catch fish. That opportunity is now being replicated across Vermont through several programs that are specifically designed to teach beginners how to fish.
One of the most popular programs is “Let’s Go Fishing” (LGF), administered by Vermont Fish & Wildlife. It is a network of certified volunteer instructors who encourage and teach Vermonters of all ages and abilities how to fish. Instructors teach fishing skills and techniques, the importance of good aquatic habitat, fishing ethics, and fishing regulations. Clinics are always free and open to all ages.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife also has a “Children’s Fishing Program” which provides kids the opportunity for a fun and successful fishing experience at locally organized events. Organizers of these events often include charitable, community or non-profit groups such as fire departments, fish and game clubs, Rotary and Lions clubs, town recreation committees, 4-H clubs, and scouts groups, among others. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department provides eight-to-ten-inch stocked trout for the program.
A complete list of the Children’s Fishing events, which is updated periodically, is available at http://vtfishandwildlife.com/fishing-clinics.html.
If you’d like to find out more about fishing opportunities in Vermont, or want to purchase a fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
If you would like to find LGF clinics in your area or have questions about LGF, you can email letsgofishing@vermont.gov or call Corey Hart at 802-505-5562.