LDWF Hosts Immersive Workshop for Aquatic Volunteer Instructors

Last month, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries invited 15 Aquatic Volunteer Instructors to perfect their angling skills at an immersive three-day workshop. The Fishing 101 Workshop was held at the Fisheries Research Lab on Grand Isle and was developed to both educate and offer hands-on experience.
 
Volunteer instructors began their weekend with a knot tying demonstration and rod and reel rigging. LDWF enforcement agents were in attendance to discuss boating safety, regulations and fishing safety prior to a hands-on fishing trip. Each boat was assigned a veteran Aquatic Volunteer Instructor and a department biologist who provided tips on fish handling, bait selection, accurate casting and more. The final day of the workshop included fish cleaning and cast netting. The workshop concluded with the instructors putting their newly acquired skills to the test.
 
The Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is open to anyone over the age of 18 who has an interest in teaching others about angling or aquatic science. After attending an eight-hour workshop, participants are able to volunteer at LDWF events and/or borrow equipment to coordinate their own event.
 
To join or learn more about the Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program, visit: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/ldwf-volunteer-programs . For questions, contact Alayna McGarry at amcgarry@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-4050.
 
This event is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LWFF). The LWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fish resources.