Published: March 4, 2009
By: Mark Hamilton, Inland Fisheries Division

Learn to Fish program wraps up busy third season

“You guys rock and so does fishing!” was one fifth-grader’s response to the follow-up survey his class completed after participating in a Learn to Fish (L2F) day. The L2F program, presented by the Inland Fisheries Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has had a busy third year, enjoying tremendous popularity among both students and educators.

For students aged eight to twelve, it’s a chance to learn about freshwater sportfish (both warm-water and cold-water species) and to enjoy an afternoon trying their luck at a local pond or lake. With stocking support from the province’s three fish hatcheries, the fishing tends to be pretty good; all part of a positive experience that encourages the angling conservationists of tomorrow.

Research has shown that young people require a few specific ingredients in place in order to become anglers. These include an introduction to angling—that tug at the end of a line that hooks the new angler. That experience happens because of a mentor; perhaps a relative, guardian, or experienced friend. Social support is important too: a family who welcomes fish in the larder and friends who are active anglers all help to encourage a youngster in fishing. Finally, young people also need support in the form of fishing tackle and help with access to a fishing location.

The L2F program helps young anglers with a few of these steps. We provide the experience and some insight, and we give the kids information about where they can fish. Every student gets a handout package from the program with a list of lakes stocked by the province, along with posters on trout and salmon, recipes for trout and perch, and the pencils and stickers kids love.

Before we get on the water, we spend time in the classroom, where a kid-friendly Powerpoint presentation walks the class through fish identification, fish habitat needs, and some angling strategies based on what fish eat and where they prefer to spend their time. The program is interactive, and students win prizes by answering questions on course material, which reinforces the day’s lessons. The morning classroom work concludes with some hands-on activity: students learn how to tie the improved clinch knot and to assemble terminal tackle—swivel, spinner, weight, and bobber. (Hooks are added later.)

After lunch break, the class travels to a local pond or lake. A safety-based casting demonstration is followed by baiting the hooks, and then it’s time for angling! Students are shown how to set the hook when they feel a nibble on the line, and they are taught ethical handling of the fish, whether they are retaining fish for the table or practising catch-and-release.

Youngsters find the day exciting and informative, and teacher feedback has been very positive: “It was perfect,” wrote one teacher, “One of the best class trips I’ve experienced. Very well planned and executed.” Educators say that the program complements their Interactions with Ecosystems science units, along with reinforcing the healthy physical activity initiatives of phys-ed instructors. Youth group leaders and day camp counselors report that the program fits well with their science and nature curriculums, and youth clubs used the material to fulfill badge requirements.

This spring and summer the L2F program was presented 23 times, to 525 children. 2009 is booked solid, and 2010 is headed the same way. Managers at Inland Fisheries are now looking at ways to get the program in front of even more kids, and member clubs of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters have expressed interest in having volunteers trained in presenting the program. This could open up the 2009 schedule to even greater participation across the province.

Along the way the Inland Fisheries division has received tremendous support from the people of Nova Scotia and the angling community. We wish to thank Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, Shimano, Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd., Mr. Mark Weare of First Cast Radio Show, the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers & Hunters, Hants West Wildlife Association, Port Morien Wildlife Association; HRM Community, Culture & Economic Development; HRM Metro Transit, Boys and Girls Clubs of Lower Sackville, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and the teachers and community groups who helped get these kids out and fishing in 2008.

For more information on the Learn to Fish program, or to register a class, contact Mark Hamilton at hamiltdm@gov.ns.ca, or call (902) 485-7028.

See photos from 2008...

See photos from 2007...

See 2006 initial launch of L2F...