Fishing events for beginners
Learn to set up your rod, tie knots, cast, and identify fish. Events are free, family friendly, and open to all skill levels. No fishing license is required. Bring your own fishing equipment or borrow ours. Limited gear and bait will be provided. Unless it says it is required, event pre-registration is encouraged but optional.
| April 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Springfield Science Museum in Springfield | Learn to cast at this Earth Day Festival. No registration required, contact the Springfield Science Museum for more information. |
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April 27, 7:30 a.m. – noon |
Forest Park in Springfield | Cops and Bobbers Family Fishing Festival is for children 12 and under and their families. Pre-registration required; email jennifer_lapis@fws.gov to register. In cooperation with Springfield Elks, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Springfield Parks Department. |
| April 28, 9 a.m. – noon | Brookline Reservoir in Brookline | Pre-registration is required, click here to register. In cooperation with Brookline Recreation Department. A $5 fee per family will be charged by the Recreation Department and can be paid during online registration or in person at the event. |
| May 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Carbuncle Pond, Oxford | No registration required. In cooperation with Oxford Conservation Department. |
| May 7, 5 – 7 p.m. | Old Reservoir in Lexington | Pre-registration is required; click here to register. In cooperation with Lexington Recreation Department. |
| May 8, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Pomps Pond in Andover | Pre-registration is required; click here to register. In cooperation with Andover Recreation Department. |
| May 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Camp Sewataro Fishing Pond in Sudbury | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with Lincoln-Sudbury Adult and Community Education Program. |
| May 14, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Jordan Pond in Shrewsbury | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with Shrewsbury Recreation Department. |
| May 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Marlboro Fish and Game Club in Marlborough | OPEN TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. No registration required. |
| May 21, 5 – 7 p.m. | Morses Pond in Wellesley | Pre-registration is required; Call 781-235-2370 to register. In cooperation Wellesley Recreation Department. |
| May 22, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Barrett Park in Leominster | Pre-registration is required, click here to register. In cooperation with Leominster Recreation Department. |
| May 23, 5 – 7 p.m. | Choate Park Pond in Medway | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with Medway Parks and Recreation Department. |
| May 29, 5 – 7 p.m. | Turners Pond in Milton | Pre-registration required; Call (617) 898-4940 to register. In cooperation with Milton Recreation Department. |
| May 30, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Bolivar Pond in Canton | Pre-registration is required; click here to register. In cooperation with Canton Recreation Department. |
Request a new event or borrow gear
Angler Education events are led by MassWildlife staff and volunteers. To request an event in your area, contact MassWildlife Angler Education Coordinator Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov.
Groups who want to drop a line but do not have their own equipment can borrow rods, reels, and tackle, and get instructional handouts. Email jim.lagacy@mass.gov to check availability and borrow gear.
Special accommodations during events
If you have a disability or a medical condition and you would like to request special accommodations, or if you speak a language other than English and you would like to request an interpreter, please email susan.sacco@mass.gov.
Volunteer
Want to share your knowledge and experience with others? Consider becoming a volunteer fishing instructor and passing on your passion! Email jim.lagacy@mass.gov to learn more.
Other resources to learn to fish
Can't come to a fishing class? It's still easy to learn! All you need to get started is some simple gear and a little practice. Learn on your own with these tutorials.
You need a license to fish in freshwater if you are 15 or older. Licenses are free for those 15-17 and over 70. Get your license now.
Interested in saltwater fishing? Check out the Saltwater Angler Education Program.