Spaces Available to Become a Certified Youth Fishing Instructor
Written by WKTN Staff on February 8, 2019
FINDLAY, OH – Any adult, group, or conservation club who has an interest in taking kids fishing should consider becoming a certified Passport to Fishing instructor, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
A certification course is being offered on Wednesday, March 20 at the ODNR Division of Wildlife District Two Office, located at 952 Lima Ave, Findlay 45840. Passport to Fishing is a one-day instructor training program that qualifies individuals to become ODNR Division of Wildlife certified fishing instructors, similar to a hunter education instructor.
This workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch and dress for the weather. It is free of charge, but preregistration is required by March 15, as space is limited. Interested individuals can register by calling Andrea Altman at 419-429-8321. Participants will be required to complete a background check prior to registering.
Passport to Fishing was developed by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and utilized by state agencies like ODNR Division of Wildlife. Workshops teach volunteers the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station program within a fishing event. These instructors then go back to their communities, with a written curriculum and training aids, to teach kids and beginning anglers the basics of fishing.
By becoming a certified instructor, you will not only be able to help in reconnecting students with the outdoors, but also have the skills and resources to do so in a more successful way. Resources available include grants, equipment, publications and brochures, and training.