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.
| Date & Time | Location | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| June 24, 6 – 8 p.m. | Silver Lake Beach in Grafton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Grafton Recreation Department. |
| June 25, 5 – 7 p.m. | Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Reading Recreation Department. |
| June 26, 5 – 7 p.m. | Choate Park Pond in Medway | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Medway Parks and Recreation Department. |
| June 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Spot Pond in Stoneham | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. |
| July 3, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Bowers Spring Conservation Area in Bolton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Bolton Conservation Commission. |
| July 9, 5 – 7 p.m. | Ayer Gun and Sportsmen's Club in Ayer | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Ayer Gun and Sportsmen's Club and the Ayer Library. |
| July 11, 5 – 7 p.m. | Bell Pond in Worcester | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the City of Worcester Department of Sustainability and Resilience – Lakes and Ponds Program. |
| July 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt. |
| July 20, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Otter River State Forest in Baldwinville | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. |
| July 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Ames Long Pond in Stoughton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Stoughton 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.