Angler Education: Fishing Coach/Buddy

Fishing Coaches and Fishing Buddies provide practical instruction at fishing clinics. They also assist teachers, other youth development specialists and fishing clubs engaged in the Angler Education Program with the fishing skills portion of the program.

Fishing Coaches are adults, 18 years of age and over, while Youth Fishing Buddies can be aged 14 to 17.

Certification Process

A certification process is available for prospective volunteers. This process includes:

• active participation in an instructor training workshop.
• completion and signing of the volunteer application available at the workshop.
• acceptance and adherence to the Angler Education Standards of Conduct.

Qualifications

Volunteer candidates should:

• be mature individuals. Fishing Buddies must be actively supervised by an on-site, certified adult, (fishing coach or angler education instructor).
• have knowledge of basic fishing techniques, including knot tying, equipment use, and bait selection.
• possess a strong personal sense of outdoor ethics.
• enjoy working with people of all ages.
• satisfactorily complete the screening process.

Coaches and Buddies 16 years of age and older are required to have a current fishing license when participating in any activity defined as fishing in the Wisconsin fishing regulations.

Duties

Volunteers are asked to:

• Participate in a three-hour training session conducted by Department of Natural Resources staff or a certified lead instructor.
• Teach basic fishing skills at public clinics.
• Teach basic fishing skills to closed groups upon request of teacher or leader.
• Help to maintain condition of loaner fishing equipment.
• Help to ensure safety of clinic participants.
• Document and submit timely and accurate program records to the Angler Education office.

Time Commitment and Recertification Requirements

In addition to the initial training workshop, volunteers will offer at least one program within the first year of certification. Recertification will automatically renew for volunteers who provide or assist at a program at least once every two years, thereafter. Volunteers inactive for two years must attend additional training to become re-certified.

For more information on Wisconsin's Angler Education programs, please contact Theresa Stabo or at (608) 266-2272, Aquatic Resources Educator.