Learn How to Fish on our Public Lands!

The IGFA’s course 'Fishing National Public Lands’ is an immersive training covering the basics of ethical angling practices, fishing safety, conservation and stewardship, and how to fish different bodies of water. This resource is for anyone who wishes to learn how to fish or host angling education events on public lands across the United States. 


The goal of the IGFA Online Angling Education Resources is to provide anglers of all skill levels with a strong foundation of angling knowledge in a comfortable, virtual setting that will give them the confidence to get outside fishing and hosting angling events in a responsible and ethical way. Regardless of the location for the event or where you venture to fish, please adhere to all local, state, and park regulations and be mindful of any necessary safety precautions.

Course curriculum

  • 01
    Introduction
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    • Overview
    • First, Let's Meet You!
    • Meet Your IGFA Instructors
    • Who is the IGFA & What is Fishing?
    • Why go Fishing?
    • Quick Question
  • 02
    Fish and Habitats
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    • Meet the Habitat
    • Meet the Fish
    • Meet a Saltwater Fish
    • Quick Question
  • 03
    Fishing Fundamentals
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    • Overview
    • Rods and Casting – Spincast Rod and Reel
    • Rods and Casting – Spinning Rod and Reel
    • Understanding Basic Tackle – For Natural Baits
    • Artificial Baits – Hard Plastic Lures
    • Artificial Baits – Soft Plastic Lures
    • Knot Tying
    • Quick Question
  • 04
    Ethical Angling and Safety
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    • Understanding Conservation
    • Environmental Stewardship Tips
    • The Ten Essentials for Angling Safety
    • Planning Safe Fishing Events
    • Fishing Safety Tips
    • Quick Question
  • 05
    Fishing Different Bodies of Water
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    • Hosting Angling Education Events
    • How to Fish a Lake
    • How to Fish a Lake - Basic Gear and Rigs
    • IGFA Gear Recommendations - Ponds and Lakes
    • How to Fish a River
    • How to Fish a River - Basic Gear and Rigs
    • IGFA Gear Recommendations - Streams and Rivers
    • How to Fish the Seashore
    • How to Fish the Seashore - Basic Gear and Rigs
    • IGFA Gear Recommendations - Seashores and Surfishing
    • How to Fish Docks and Piers
    • How to Fish Docks and Piers - Basic Gear and Rigs
    • IGFA Gear Recommendations - Docks and Piers
    • Quick Question
  • 06
    Keep Exploring
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    • Explore. Learn. Protect.
    • Junior Ranger Angler: Let's Go Fishing! Activity Book
    • Quick Survey for the IGFA
    • Additional Resources

Acknowledgements

The IGFA would like to thank the National Park Foundation for their continued support that made this project possible. The primary goal of this project has been to enhance access to recreational fishing opportunities and angling education across national park sites while advancing the Junior Ranger: Let’s Go Fishing! program as effective pathways for connecting youth, families, and park communities with public lands and waters through responsible, ethical angling and the sustainable use of our natural resources. We would also like to thank all park staff, volunteers, interns, and families who joined us at various Learn-to-Fish clinics throughout the years.

To help the IGFA continue our Education efforts around the world, please consider making a donation or become a member!


The IGFA is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the field of angling.