Ever want to try fishing from the water via a kayak, but didn’t know where to start? Learn with us!

Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day

Join us for this Intro to Kayak Fishing program, at no cost! We will provide everything that you will need: instruction, kayaks, fishing equipment, and no fishing license needed. Venture Outdoors will be providing instruction with our Fishing Skills Instructors.

This 3-hour program is designed to teach you everything you will need to know to enjoy fishing from a kayak. You will learn paddling techniques, casting skills, safety proficiency with a water vessel, PA regulations, and native aquatic wildlife. This program will include approximately 1.5-hours of instruction prior to on-water activities. This activity is best fit for participants 16 years old and older. For this program we will be using sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks. These non-motorized boats are ideal for fishing in temperate climates because they are very stable and easy to rig with fishing accessories. Learn these new skills and meet others interested in fishing!

▷ What does the program provide?

• All fishing gear needed: rods/reels, bait, tackle, nets, and safety equipment
• All kayaking gear needed: sit-on-top kayak, paddles, PFDs, safety/rescue equipment
• Instruction for learning to fish with a spin-cast/closed face fishing reel
• Instruction for paddling a sit-on-top kayak
• Instruction for fishing on the water from a kayak – tips and tricks for safe kayak fishing
• PFD fitting and instruction
• Assistance with baiting, catches and fish ID
• Fishing license exemption: you will not need a fishing license to attend the program
  • thanks to the Fishing Skills Instructor (FSI) certification program through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

▷ What do I need to bring fish?

Just bring anyone attending, hydration, sun protection, and curiosity! We’ll have everything else on-site that you will need.

▷ How do I sign up to attend?

Register yourself and anyone attending with you below. We ask that you sign up for each week so we know how many are attending and how to contact you in case of severe weather.

▷ Never fished before? Learn with us!

Our staff will be able to teach you the basics of fishing from casting, baiting your hook, and hopefully reeling in your first catch! We can work with you individually to help you learn this great outdoor sport. By the end of the program you’ll be a SMART angler!

▷ Would you like adaptive fishing gear?

We have gear that can be used upon request, including rod holders for chairs/wheelchairs and wrist supports. Please e-mail Amanda at AWesterlund@ventureoutdoors.org to reserve adaptive gear.

▷ Want to learn more?

Check out this guide created by the PA Fish and Boat Commission:https://www.fishandboat.com/LearningCenter/ActivitiesAndEducationPortal/Documents/IntroToKayakFishing_referenceGuide.pdf

Have questions about the program or want to make sure its a good fit? Email our Fishing Program Manager: Amanda (awesterlund@ventureoutdoors.org)

This is one of many Pittsburgh First Catch Program events held around the western PA region. The Pittsburgh First Catch Program is a pilot program developed to connect outdoor fishing and kayaking experiences with youth, young adults, and adults throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Make sure to check out all the amazing FREE programs through this project!

This project is supported by the R3 Education Grant Program, administered by Venture Outdoors and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, through a grant awarded by the R.K. Mellon Foundation.

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