Fishing events for beginners
Learn to set up your rod, tie knots, cast, and identify fish. Events are free, family friendly, and open to all skill levels. No fishing license is required. Bring your own fishing equipment or borrow ours. Limited gear and bait will be provided. Unless it says it is required, event pre-registration is encouraged but optional.
| Date & Time | Location | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| April 26, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Forest Park in Springfield | Cops and Bobbers Family Fishing Festival is for children 12 and under and their families. For more information, contact Tom Kelly at (413) 237-6964 or Bob Wallace at (413) 262-2174. In cooperation with Springfield Elks, Springfield Police and Fire Departments, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, Springfield Parks Department, and Pioneer Valley Trout Unlimited. |
| April 27, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Brookline Reservoir in Brookline | Pre-registration is required, click here to register. In cooperation with Brookline Recreation Department. A $7 fee per family will be charged by the Recreation Department and can be paid by phone or in person at the event. To register, call the Brookline Recreation Department at (617) 730-2069. |
| May 3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Sandra Pond in Westborough | No registration required. In cooperation with the Westborough Civic Club. |
| May 6, 5 – 7 p.m. | Old Reservoir in Lexington | Pre-registration is required; click here to register. In cooperation with Lexington Recreation Department. |
| May 7, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Pomps Pond in Andover | Pre-registration is required; click here to register. In cooperation with Andover Recreation Department. |
| May 8, 4 – 6 p.m. | Fort Meadow Pond in Hudson | Pre-registration is required; click here to register. In cooperation with Hudson Recreation Department. |
| May 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Dufresne Pond in Granby | Cops and Bobbers Family Fishing Festival is for children 14 and under and their families. No registration required; email jim.lagacy@mass.gov for more information. In cooperation with the Amherst and Granby Police and Fire Departments, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Pioneer Valley Trout Unlimited. |
| May 12, 5 – 8 p.m. | Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough | Fly Fishing 101 class. Pre-registration is required; click here to register. Email jim.lagacy@mass.gov for more information. |
| May 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Jordan Pond in Shrewsbury | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with Shrewsbury Recreation Department. |
| May 14, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Camp Sewataro Fishing Pond in Sudbury | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with Lincoln-Sudbury Adult and Community Education Program. |
| May 15, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Bolivar Pond in Canton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Canton Recreation Department. |
| May 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m | Marlboro Fish and Game Club in Marlborough | Open to all veterans and their families. No registration required. Email jim.lagacy@mass.gov for more information. |
| May 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m | Spec Pond Family Fishing Derby in Wilbraham | No registration required. In cooperation with Wilbraham Parks and Recreation Department and Westfield Bank. Email jim.lagacy@mass.gov for more information. |
| May 20, 5 – 7 p.m. | New Pond in Easton | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Easton Recreation Department. |
| May 21, 5 – 7 p.m. | Nuttings Lake in Billerica | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Billerica Recreation Department. |
| May 22, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Choate Park Pond in Medway | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Medway Parks and Recreation Department. |
| May 27, 5 – 7 p.m. | Sandra Pond in Westborough | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Northborough and Westborough Recreation Departments. |
| May 29, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Longfellow Pond in Wellesley | Pre-registration required; click here to register. In cooperation with the Wellesley Recreation Department. |
Request a new event or borrow gear
Angler Education events are led by MassWildlife staff and volunteers. To request an event in your area, contact MassWildlife Angler Education Coordinator Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov.
Groups who want to drop a line but do not have their own equipment can borrow rods, reels, and tackle, and get instructional handouts. Email jim.lagacy@mass.gov to check availability and borrow gear.
Special accommodations during events
If you have a disability or a medical condition and you would like to request special accommodations, or if you speak a language other than English and you would like to request an interpreter, please email susan.sacco@mass.gov.
Volunteer
Want to share your knowledge and experience with others? Consider becoming a volunteer fishing instructor and passing on your passion! Email jim.lagacy@mass.gov to learn more.
Other resources to learn to fish
Can't come to a fishing class? It's still easy to learn! All you need to get started is some simple gear and a little practice. Learn on your own with these tutorials.
You need a license to fish in freshwater if you are 15 or older. Licenses are free for those 15-17 and over 70. Get your license now.
Interested in saltwater fishing? Check out the Saltwater Angler Education Program.