Fish With CARE!
Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE)
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The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education ( CARE ) program, created in 1986 to teach would-be anglers how to fish, has been a huge success. CARE’s full-time staff lead hundreds of certified instructors, using fish and fishing as a medium to create the next generation of fishing participants and environmental stewards. CARE fishing classes inspire families to adopt fishing as an activity of choice, and increase the public’s interest, understanding, and stewardship of aquatic resources. This is critical to support DEEP’s mission of “conserving, protecting and improving the natural resources and environment of the state.”
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The CARE coordinators, Tom Bourret (left) and Justin Wiggins (right), work hard to keep CARE operating smoothly. They ensure that volunteers have everything they need to make each class a success.
CARE offers a wide variety of fishing classes throughout the year. Our Introduction to Fishing courses take place all over Connecticut, including at a waterbody near you! These courses cover all the basics to get you started fishing safely and successfully.
This monster largemouth bass was caught during a field trip to the CARE Center on Forster Pond, where dozens of classes are held each year.
CARE instructors also provide assistance during each of the free fishing days put on by the State of Connecticut.
One of our most popular classes takes place on the ice! Each year CARE instructors put on introductory ice fishing classes, as well as support the No Child Left Inside Winter Festival®.
CARE also offers specialized classes, like Fly Fishing 101, Saltwater Fishing, and species-specific classes for bass and trout.
Last but not least, if you prefer your water salty then come join us at one of our saltwater fishing events!
Fishing has no boundaries and CARE offers opportunities for all anglers regardless of age, race, gender, or disability.
We prioritize hosting classes at areas with access for persons with disabilities.
Want to find a class near you? See below for a current list of scheduled classes:
Certified CARE Instructors offer a wide variety of opportunities for you, your friends and family to learn about fish and fishing. Class curriculum is designed for families and kids age 9 and up. You will learn about fishing tackle, how to cast, knot tying, safety, regulations and how to identify your catch.
Obviously, all of these amazing opportunities to learn and enjoy fishing would not be possible without a dedicated corps of volunteers. Since 1986, over 2,100 volunteer instructors have taught over 220,000 students. The value of these volunteer instructor hours is roughly $4.5 million dollars.
CARE instructors attending an instructor training at Forster Pond.
Since 1986, over 2,100 volunteer instructors have taught over 220,000 students. The value of these volunteer instructor hours is roughly $4.5 million dollars.
If you are interested in joining our ranks as a certified CARE instructor, now is your chance! The next CARE New Instructor Certification Training will be held in Hartford at Keney Park Pond House on February 29th, 2020. Call Tom or Justin at (860) 663-1656 for more information and to register. With your help, CARE will keep making as many knowledgeable, environmentally conscious fishermen and women as possible for many more years to come!