Teach Fishing
Adult Mentored Fishing Program
- Teach fishing in a small group setting, over multiple sessions, at your local waters.
- Build a community of life-long anglers.
- Must be a current certified Angler Education Volunteer Instructor.
Click the link for more program info and apply - Adult Mentored Fishing Program
Become an Angler Education Volunteer Instructor
- Angler Ed Instructor Patch
Take a free, interactive and hands-on instructor training workshop online or in-person and learn to teach the basics of fishing and aquatic conservation to children and adults in your community.
Check out the workshop calendar for upcoming Angler Education Instructor workshops near you.
Already an Instructor? Visit the Resources page.
Ready to volunteer at a fishing event? Find Angler Education volunteer opportunities here.
What We Provide
- A curriculum that is hands-on and fun for participants
- FREE educational materials, including certificates and fish pins
- Loaner equipment where available
- A statewide network of over 5,000 volunteers to help at classes and events
Who Uses Angler Education
- Teachers (Texas Education Agency Continuing Professional Education [CPE] credit conveyed)
- Youth group & Scout leaders
- City and county parks and recreation staff
- Local community groups
- Religious organizations
- Home-school groups
- After-school groups
- Fishing clubs
- Camp staff
- People like you
What Angler Education Instructors Teach
Fishing Outreach events for their communities such as fairs and festivals, fishing days at parks, school field days and more
Basic Fishing classes to introduce participants to: equipment, knot tying and tackle assembly; casting and fishing skills; fish ID and habitats; regulations and ethics; and safety and stewardship
Advanced Fishing classes to provide more advanced experiences in both fresh and saltwater fishing, as well as information about both fresh and saltwater aquatic environments
Basic Fly Fishing classes - an introduction for youth and adults to become familiar with fly rods and reels; tackle assembly; flies and fly tying; proper casting techniques; aquatic habitats; regulations and ethics; safety and stewardship
Intermediate Fly Fishing classes to provide additional knowledge and skills. Youth and adults learn to: identify fish and fish habitats, tie fly fishing knots and flies, understand fishing regulations, properly handle fish and cast safely.
Specialty Clinics to teach specialized skills such as Fly-tying, micro-fishing, and species or waterbody specific techniques.
Please see the calendar to find upcoming fishing classes and events in your area.
How our Program Works
- Certified Instructors order fun, FREE materials.
Volunteer Instructors submit an order form and receive a variety of materials and loaner equipment to teach classes and events. If needed - Instructors can recruit help from fellow volunteer instructors, or request a post on the TPWD Calendar by submitting a request along with the order form. - Instructors host and assist with classes and events in their communities
- Instructors submit an online report following the event. Documentation of these fishing classes and events are vital to the success of our program. View the Reporting Guidelines to ensure your reports meet all policies. Volunteer Instructors receive annual incentives, including 100-hour or even 1000-hour pins for our Top Lures.
- Instructor hours are used as a match for a USFWS Aquatic Education Federal Aid grant.
- USFWS awards funds to continue supporting Angler Education in Texas
More Resources for Educators
Fishing for Conservation: excerpt from Texas Aquatic Science curriculum
Recycle Fishing Line: How to make a collection tube for old fishing line, courtesy of "Fishing's Future"
State Fish Art Contest: Students in grades 4-12 in any school (including private school or home school) are invited to submit a drawing of an officially-recognized state fish as well as a one-page essay about its behaviors, habitats or conservation status. Students in K-3 may also submit a drawing, with no essay required.
Additional teaching resources are available on the Instructor Resources webpage.
Volunteer Spotlight
Why did you volunteer to become an angler educator?
I enjoy the outdoors and love teaching children skills to make them love the sport of fishing. From my experience, I see that many children have few opportunities to learn how to fish. When parents get involved in the learning, children find it more meaningful for them.
~ Irma R.; San Benito, TX
I became a volunteer to be able to work with kids, and teach about fishing and outdoor activities, as well as stewardship of our lakes, rivers, and streams. Most importantly, I volunteer to pass on the passion of fishing that was instilled in me as a child, and promote family unity with outdoor activities.
~ Rodd G.; El Paso, TX
Sharing knowledge, particularly about the natural world, allows me to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteering as an instructor provides the opportunity to give back to my community, empowering individuals with skills and insights that promote stewardship and sustainable practices. I find immense fulfillment in guiding others, especially young people, as they develop a deeper understanding of coastal and marine ecosystems and their importance to our shared future. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth, curiosity, and passion for conservation.
~ Amy N.; La Ward, TX
I’ve been volunteering with TPWD Angler Education since 2024, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My favorite part is seeing the pure excitement on someone’s face when they catch their first fish—a moment that often becomes a lifelong memory. Helping people connect with the water and nature goes beyond teaching fishing techniques; it’s about fostering a sense of confidence, patience, and respect for the outdoors.
Volunteering allows me to share my passion for fishing and inspire others to develop a lifelong love for nature. Whether it’s teaching water safety, encouraging someone to persevere, or watching a child’s pride after their first catch, every moment is a reminder of why I love this work.
~ Jennifer W.F.; Palmer, TX