Wednesday, October 29, 2014

New Hampshire "Let's Go Fishing" Program Seeks Volunteer Fishing Instructors

CONCORD, N.H. - Are you an avid angler looking to give back to your community and share your love of fishing? New Hampshire Fish and Game's "Let's Go Fishing" program is currently seeking volunteer instructors to teach ice fishing, fly fishing or basic fishing to youth and adults.

Registration has opened for training sessions that are a requirement for becoming certified as a Let's Go Fishing instructor. Training is free. To sign up, you must print out and return a Let's Go Fishing volunteer application form, which can be found on the Fish and Game website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/NewInstructorTrainingSchedule.htm (to request one by mail or email, contact 603-271-3212 or aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov). Applications must be received by Monday, November 24, to reserve your spot in the trainings.

Those being certified must attend both an overview training session and at least one specialty training class. The overview session covers the ins and outs of the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the Let's Go Fishing program, as well teaching practices and principles. The specialty sessions focus on the specific programs presented - ice fishing, fly fishing or basic fishing. These sessions cover ethics, pond ecology, rules and regulations, equipment and safety. Instructors must attend the specialty training session for each course topic they wish to teach.

The Let's Go Fishing program will hold the first half of the two-part certification training for new fishing instructors on Saturday, December 13, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord N.H. Lunch is provided. This class is required for all new instructors.

All instructors also must attend the second half of the certification training for the specific type of course they will be teaching, as listed below. These training sessions take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord. Lunch is provided.

Basic Fishing: Saturday, January 10, 2014

Ice Fishing: Sunday, December 14, 2014

Fly Fishing: Sunday, January 11, 2014

After completing the training, participants have the chance to join an existing team of volunteer fishing instructors who present programs across the state. The Let's Go Fishing program also offers: saltwater fishing, fly tying and saltwater fly fishing.

Thousands of children and adults have learned to be safe, ethical and successful anglers through the Let's Go Fishing program. The program is federally funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, supported by an excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources. Visit http://www.fishnh.com.

CONTACTS:
Kyle Glencross: (603) 271-3212
Lisa Collins: (603) 271-3212