- Division of Marine Fisheries
In 2024, the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) awarded DMF’s Saltwater Angler Education Program an Inclusive and Accessible Event grant. The funding from MOOR provided the Angler Education Program a unique opportunity to improve the accessibility of their teaching materials and fishing clinics. DMF was able to purchase over a hundred rods, along with tackle and bait, for a special free saltwater fishing clinic event hosted at Fort Taber pier in New Bedford. After getting hands-on instructions from DMF staff on the basics of saltwater fishing, each registered participant went home with the new rod and tackle they used during the clinic. Sending new anglers home with both the knowledge and the right tools was a recipe for success. After the overwhelmingly positive feedback, we decided to build on what was accomplished at the Fort Taber clinic and requested and received $10,000 from sales of the Striped Bass Conservation License Plate for use in the 2025 season.
With the goal of getting rods and tackle into the hands of beginner anglers, the newly acquired funds went directly to the purchase of 200 new rods, along with 200 starter tackle kits that include hooks, sinkers, swivels, lures, and fishing rigs. This will give anglers an opportunity to try various tackle, explore different fishing techniques, and have the right gear to target various saltwater fish species in Massachusetts state waters. The Saltwater Angler Education Program will be distributing this gear and tackle at select free and open to the public saltwater angler education fishing clinics. Participants will learn basic saltwater angling skills such as knot tying, casting, fish measuring, fish identification, proper handling techniques, and catch and release fishing in a safe and enthusiastic environment. At these select clinics, registered participants get to keep the gear and tackle that they learned on during the clinic. They also leave with a beginner’s fishing guide and other educational materials to keep learning. The opportunity to receive free tackle and gear in a positive fishing experience during a clinic will give attendees everything they need to recreate the experience on their own and become avid saltwater anglers!
The Saltwater Angler Education Program is also now offering a Rod and Reel Loan Program, connecting with town, scout, camp, and leadership organizations who are interested in teaching saltwater fishing clinics in their own communities. These programs are designed to teach staff and program leaders how to use and troubleshoot saltwater fishing gear and tackle. After completion, graduates of the program can borrow rods, tackle, and a saltwater angler education lesson plan. They also receive guidance on how to host their own clinics, with tips and suggestions on how to engage the public and what to expect. The lesson plan covers basic saltwater angling skills and is intended to be an extension of the DMF saltwater angler education fishing clinic experience.
Aspiring anglers in many coastal cities, including EJ communities, will have access to a free family clinic this year. DMF is scheduled to host, co-host, or sponsor at least 18 saltwater angler education fishing clinics across the state! Learn more about our saltwater angler education clinics.
By Kim Fine, Saltwater Angler Education Program Coordinator
