Fisheries • 2019 Annual Report 39
I N T R O D U C I N G P E O P L E T O F I S H I N G
Getting outdoors and spending time fishing with family and friends is a great way to improve our quality
of life. The Commission is dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to
enjoy fishing. The Commission works with communities, volunteers and partners to put on programs and
events that make fishing fun, accessible and a great family activity. Providing skills-based training helps
grow participation in fishing. Community Fishing Events welcome the public to come to a nearby lake, with
all equipment provided to have fun learning how to fish. In 2019, events attracted over 2,500 participants.
Thanks to a Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation grant, we reached out to Spanish-speaking
families by producing bilingual materials that promoted offerings such as fly-fishing and catfish angling
events. In addition, Youth Fishing Program certified instructors provided over 5,840 volunteer hours to
15,203 participants at 212 events.
Community Fishing Nights, held across the state, introduce a large diversity of people to the basics of fishing.
