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 |
|---|---|---|
| September 9, 5 – 7 p.m. | Turners Pond in Milton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 10, 5 – 7 p.m. | Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 11, 5 – 7 p.m. | New Pond in Easton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 15, 4 – 7 p.m. | Marlboro Fish and Game Association in Marlborough | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 16, 5 – 7 p.m. | Silver Lake in Grafton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 18, 5 – 7 p.m. | Morses Pond in Wellesley | Pre-registration required; call the Wellesley Recreation Department to register at 781-235-2370. |
| September 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Deer Island Fishing Pier in Winthrop | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 23, 4 – 7 p.m. | South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 24, 5 – 7 p.m. | Old Reservoir in Lexington | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 25, 5 – 7 p.m. | Camp Sewataro Fishing Pond in Lincoln/Sudbury | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
| September 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Fearing Pond in Plymouth | Open to the public; no registration is required. |
| September 30, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Choate Park Pond in Medway | Pre-registration required; click here to register. |
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.