New Instructors and Accomplishments

 

Aquatic Education Program History

The TPWD Aquatic Education Program with federal funding was established in 1992. This history timeline tells the story of how the program evolved over the years. 

New Instructors

July - December 2025 (PDF)

January - June 2025 (PDF)

July - December 2024 (PDF)

January - June 2024 (PDF)

Angler Education Year in Review 

September 2024 - August 2025

We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to all our dedicated volunteers for the hard work and time you gave this past year to safely share the joy of fishing. Whether you helped at one event or many throughout the year, taught online or in person, every hour contributed made a difference in someone's life and increased their love of the outdoors.

Everyone who documents 100 or more hours receives a special "100 hour" lapel pin. 

Annual Report , Top Lures (100 hours +), Volunteers and Staff(PDF)
(fiscal year 2025)

Tackle Loaner Report (PDF)
(fiscal year 2025)

Area Chief Accomplishments

Angler Education Area Chiefs are certified instructors who have demonstrated leadership while teaching angler education to youth and adults. Area Chiefs not only lead and assist with classes and events, but train others as new Angler Education instructors, 

New Area Chief Trainers

Please join us in welcoming our new 2026 Area Chiefs: 

  • Christopher Fortin
  • John Brindley
  • Randy Monson


Qualifications for becoeming an Area Chief include a minimum of and 25 service hours during the past year, and an oniline report as a Lead instructor at least one event in that time. If you are interested in beceoming an Area Chief Trainer. Please contact your regional Angler Education Training Specialist..  

Area Chief Awards

There are six award levels; Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire awards are earned by Area Chiefs for their leadership and dedication to our Angler Education Instructor training program. The award is based on the number of instructors trained, cumulative over the Area Chief's career, through December 31st of each year.

Congratulations to all the awardees!

 

Legacy Members

Honoring those instructors who have served their communities as Angler Education Area Chiefs for 10 years or more.
AC Legacy Plaque 2026 (1).png

Volunteer Achievements and Accolades

The President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award

Congratulations to TPWD Angler Education Area Chief Michael Scherer who earned The President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award (4,000+ cumulative hours). The award was presented to Michael in March 2024 at the Katy Chapter of Fishing's Future meeting along with his family. The award package included a certificate, pin and letters from President Biden and TPWD Executive Director Dr. David Yoskowitz. 

phot o volunteer and his family
Michael Scherer and family

Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame: 

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Its mission is to “recognize and honor those who have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas, and to foster a sense of appreciation, awareness and participation in the sport of fishing.”

Shane Wilson, Angler Education Area Chief, was inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2020. Shane is the founder of the non-profit organization, Fishing’s Future. Watch Shane's video here. 

Shane Wilson, TPWD Area Chief

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Scherer, Angler Education Area Chief will be inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2026. Michael is the program director of Fishing’s Future.