Let's Go Fishing!

Click on a topic:

• FIND A CLASS - click here for current class schedule
• What is the Let's Go Fishing program?
• Become a volunteer instructor
• LGF Volunteer application
• Upcoming Let's Go Fishing instructor training and opportunities

Let's Go Fishing classes are a great way to learn how to fish or develop your fishing skills. Courses are offered throughout the state by trained volunteer instructors who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to help the beginning angler get started. Courses are free. All ages are welcome, unless otherwise noted. Most courses are offered during the spring and summer months, plus ice-fishing courses in January and February.

Classes for adults and children are designed to teach families basic ecological concepts, fishing skills and new ways to enjoy the outdoors together. Courses cover basic techniques for year-round fishing in ponds, lakes, streams and the ocean. A typical course offers six hours of hands-on instruction, plus a field trip. Children, ages eight and up, as well as adults, are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

In addition to beginning classes, Let's Go Fishing also offers specialty classes to help participants develop skills in fly fishing, saltwater fly fishing, brood stock salmon angling, ice fishing and more. These may be one-day clinics or weekend workshops.

Click here for a current class schedule.

Here's what you'll learn in a basic Let's Go Fishing Class:

Goals of the Let's Go Fishing Program:

• Promote wise use of New Hampshire's aquatic resources through responsible and ethical outdoor behavior.
• Teach proper skills and inform the public about rules and regulations to ensure a future for the sport of fishing.
• Provide the information and instruction necessary for the public to participate in fishing ... a healthy outdoor recreational activity for all ages.

School Programs: Trained Let's Go Fishing volunteers also teach basic fishing skills to New Hampshire schoolchildren, from elementary through high school. Providing an introduction to fishing can be a great way to encourage kids to kids to get off the couch and involved with the natural world and active outdoor interests.

The Let's Go Fishing program is part of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program. For more information, call (603) 271-3212 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or email aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov.

Share Your Love of Fishing With Others -- Become a Volunteer
Let's Go Fishing volunteers are anglers skilled in basic fishing techniques who are ethical, responsible outdoorsmen and women. They must be commited to passing on their knowledge and following the policies and procedures outlined by the Fish and Game Department. Volunteers can sign up to teach a whole class or just parts of one. Work by yourself or with another instructor. Instructor training in educational techniques and course aids is provided by the N.H. Fish and Game Department. Volunteer instructors must be at least 18 years of age.

Click here for a print-and-mail Let's Go Fishing volunteer application and training dates registration form (PDF File, 67 KB). For more information about becoming a Let's Go Fishing volunteer instructor, call the N.H. Fish and Game Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program at (603) 271-3212, or email aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov.

Upcoming "Let's Go Fishing" Instructor Trainings and Opportunities

Individuals being certified will have to attend two one day trainings (part 1 and part 2).  Every new instructor must attend one of the Part 1 trainings and one of the Part 2 trainings.  Instructors will eventually need to attend a separate training for each program (basic, ice & fly fishing & fly tying) they want to teach. 

Part 1 trainings will cover the ins and outs of the Fish and Game Department and Let’s Go Fishing program’s, policy and procedures and CPR training.  Part 2 trainings will focus on a specific program. It will be a hands on experience where prospective instructors will be put through an abbreviated “real life” LGF course.  Some of the topics covered in these trainings include ethics, winter pond ecology, rules and regulations, an overview of equipment and safety. 

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