Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program
Volunteering with LDWF’s Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is a great opportunity for anyone interested in sharing their passion for Louisiana’s aquatic and fisheries resources.
Aquatic Volunteer Instructors (aka VIPs) are trained by LDWF staff to help teach youth and adults about topics such as fish identification, fish anatomy, knot tying, casting techniques, invasive species, pond ecology, marine debris, and fisheries management. Upon successful completion of the training, certified VIPs have free access to loaner kits, activity guides, lesson plans aligned to state standards, and other educational aquatic and fishing resources.
This program is designed to increase aquatic education throughout the state by extending LDWF’s reach in teaching and encouraging wise utilization of Louisiana’s fisheries resources. This program is unique in that both the general public and educators benefit from this training. Aquatic VIP also provides many opportunities to volunteer with other LDWF Fisheries Outreach programs.
How to Become an Aquatic Volunteer Instructor
Create an account on our Aquatic VIP volunteer portal for the Aquatic VIP program. Navigate to the workshop section and sign up for a workshop. We will contact you with more information once we review your account. Please note that to become a fully certified Aquatic VIP you will need to complete a workshop, pass a course and policy test, and pass a criminal background check.
Upcoming Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Workshops
November 15, 2025 - Workshop for Leaders of Youth Programs in Gretna, LA
November 18, 2025 – Workshop for the General Public in Pineville, LA
If you have a group of 10 or more people who would like to be trained, then we can come to you! Please email eolson@wlf.la.gov to set up a training date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any requirements for becoming an aquatic volunteer instructor?
You must be at least 18 years old, attend one Aquatic VIP workshop, and pass the test at the end of the workshop. We will run a background check after you complete the workshop to check for any major offenses.
How do I maintain active VIP status?
To maintain your active VIP status, you must volunteer at an event or host your aquatic or fisheries event/program once every two years.
I can’t make any of the upcoming Aquatic VIP workshops. Can I still be trained?
If you are unable to make any of the scheduled workshops, you might still be in luck. We can come to you for a pop-up workshop if you have a group of 10 or more interested people. Alternatively, if we’re holding a pop-up workshop like this near you, we can contact you to let you know about it. You’ll need to apply online to receive notification of pop-up workshops.
What do I need to bring with me to the workshop?
We will provide additional information prior to each workshop. We typically ask participants to dress appropriately for the weather and to bring their own water and food. Bring with you an eagerness to have fun and learn!
What can I expect from the workshop?
General workshop topics include training for the following hands-on activities: fish identification, fish anatomy, knot tying, casting technique, fisheries management, marine debris, pond ecology, aquatic invasive species, and more. Each participant will have access to activity guides, lesson plans, and other educational resources. Workshops can be customized to fit the group’s needs upon approval of the LDWF Fisheries Outreach staff.
What are the loaner kits you offer the volunteers to use?
One of the perks of Aquatic VIP is that certified instructors have access to our loaner kits—we’ll provide the materials needed to teach different activities. For example, we’ll provide rods and reels with basic tackle for fishing station or the paint, paper, and rubber fish for a fish prints station. Don’t let the lack of resources stop you from teaching others about fish!