In This Issue:
By Karen Marks, Aquatic Education Manager
We had a fin-tastic fiscal year thanks to our wonderful hard-working volunteer network. The annual report is posted on the Instructors Accomplishments webpage and the annual volunteer incentive packages were shipped out in November. We’ve had a few packages returned by the Post Office for incorrect addresses. If your name is on the list and you have not received a package, please give us a call.
The basic fishing book has been updated and has a new look. Please recycle the old ones which have outdated or missing information. The new Spanish version will be available by late spring or early summer.
In early January, I attended part of the annual Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee (TEEAC) meeting that is hosted by the Texas Education Agency. TEEAC coordinates with other state regional and local agencies that are charged with the development of environmental education materials. As many of our instructors who are also formal educators in K-12 know, the new Science and Engineering TEKS are out. This info is also helpful for those who are informal educators. Now, engineering essential knowledge and skills (TEKS) will be included for all grades. The main goal is for students to define and solve a problem, and design and test solutions.
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How might you incorporate engineering into your fishing classes? Ask students if they “see” a problem – it could be about fishing access, habitat, conservation or gear (adaptive equipment, hook or lure design). The key is to let the students discover the problem and come up with a solution. You might be amazed at what the students come up with.
I will post a link on the TPWD Angler Education Instructors webpage to the recorded presentation when it is available.
Another take-away from the meeting was the use and mention of the "Poll Everywhere" App. This is an easy-to-use app. The free version can be used with audiences up to 25 people who have a device (smart phone or tablet). This is a fun way to make your classes interactive. Remember our program goal is to make fishing education fun, interactive and hands-on!
We reached out to our Area Chiefs to submit articles for this edition and got a great response. If you have any fun hands-on activities that have worked well for you, please feel free to share them with us. You can also post the activity on the Angler Education Facebook page.
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By Keira Quam, TPWD North Texas Training Specialist and Reel Lines Editor
As most of you know, this past year was the Centennial year for Texas State Parks. Angler Education staff and volunteers reached out to offer support to our parks to bring instructor certifications, fishing activities and information about fishing to Texans across the state during their events. It was a special year and a huge celebration for our parks that included fishing in one or more Centennial events.
Great ideas were shared as each park added a different “flavor” of what fit for their location to engage visitors with "hands-on" activities – just what we hope for! Some parks had an educational component that helped visitors learn fishing skills like tying knots, casting, identifying fish, safe fish handling and conservation. Some parks added cleaning and cooking fish to their event and food is always welcome by our visitors! Some parks had a fishing tournament, gave out prizes to those who caught or gave tickets to everyone, called out numbers every 30 minutes and handed out great door prizes. Gyotaku was incorporated and fish prints helped young and old learn to identify fish. Some gave rods and reels to attending youth to take home. There were "under-5 only" fishing tanks for the “littles”, stocked ponds with trout or catfish and of course, many had backyard bass to practice casting, or in case the fishing was slow. A metal trash can lid was even the target to encourage accurate casting. It was a wonderful year to share the passion for fishing and the outdoors.
As we look at this past year and celebrate all our visitors to state parks, the good news is that even though this coming year isn’t a Centennial celebration, as in the past, our state parks will continue to include fishing in their activities and events. We encourage our volunteers to search for these state park “opportunities”, as well as those at other locations in Texas, join the fun and help people learn more about fishing! Maybe even take the opportunity to catch a few yourself and share them on our Facebook Page!
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by Nattie Gonzales, TPWD Volunteer Angler Edu Area Chief Trainer
My love for fly fishing started after participating in the TPWD Stewards of the Wild mentored fly fishing trip in April of 2021. Discovering the world of fly fishing can be an empowering and exhilarating experience for women new to the sport. Embracing the outdoors and the meditative rhythm of casting, women anglers can find a unique sense of connection with nature. One particularly enjoyable fly fishing activity for women centers around camaraderie and relaxation, women's retreats.
In May I had the honor of volunteering as a mentor at the Texas Wildlife Association's (TWA) Ladies Fly Fishing Weekend sponsored by Gruene Outfitters. The weekend long workshop created a supportive environment where women could learn and practice fly fishing skills in the company of like-minded individuals. We were lucky enough to have Kristin Brooke Parma, of TWA, cook amazing food all weekend. The women of Gruene Outfitters gave great lessons and insights about equipment. The casting lessons from Tiffany, of Gruene Outfitters helped the group refine their casting techniques. Maggie, of Gruene Outfitters shared some of her gear expertise to teach the group about the intricacies of fly selection.
The focus of these workshops is not just on catching fish but also on fostering a sense of community and confidence among women in the world of fly fishing. Imagine gathering at a picturesque riverside lodge, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and being guided by experienced female instructors eager to share their passion. Mentees are provided with the necessary equipment and instruction to get started, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable introduction to the sport. The camaraderie among women creates a supportive atmosphere where questions are welcomed, and everyone can progress at their own pace.
These weekend long workshops are designed not only to teach the technical aspects of fly fishing but also to celebrate the joy of being outdoors and connecting with nature. Mentees leave with newfound skills, a sense of accomplishment, and a network of friends who share their enthusiasm for the sport.
In the world of fly fishing, women's workshops offer an inclusive and enjoyable entry point, ensuring that every woman, regardless of experience level, can savor the thrill of casting a fly line and reeling in the excitement of this timeless outdoor pursuit.
 Photo credit - Nattie Gonzales
Stewards of the Wild, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation's conservation leadership program, equips emerging leaders aged 21 to 45 with opportunities to actively participate in the stewardship of Texas' wild things and wild places by providing education, networking and outdoor experiences. Chapters are located across the state.
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By Jason Mercer, TPWD Boating and Fishing R3 Coordinator
Cooking wild-caught fish has become a popular activity at events and programs across the state. This is due in part to the growing interest in sustainable and healthy food, as well as the desire to connect with nature.
Incorporating wild-caught fish cooking demonstrations into your classes and events can offer a number of benefits. First, it can help your audience learn about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the many ways to enjoy wild-caught fish. Second, it can provide participants with new skills and recipes for cooking fish at home. Third, it can foster a sense of community and pride in those who are able to catch and cook their own food.
Wild-caught fish cooking demonstrations can be tailored to fit a variety of audiences and settings. For example, some events may focus on teaching participants how to clean and cook fish, while others may focus on more specific cooking techniques or recipes. Demonstrations can be held at state parks, community centers, farmers markets, or any other public event.
Demonstrations can include fish cleaning and/or cooking. Participants can bring their catch to a table where volunteers can show them how to clean and filet the fish so they can take it home to cook. If time allows, volunteer instructors can also help them cook their catch on a picnic grill or camp stove.
This is a great way for newcomers to discover and enjoy wild-caught fish.
Cooking demonstrations and "tastings" can also be set up as stand-alone events using fish that has already been caught. Be sure to provide the recipe or recipe link to the participants.
If you are interested in hosting a wild-caught fish cooking demonstration, there are a few things you can do to get started:
- Contact your local city, county or state park or recreation/community center to see if they have any resources or programs that you can take advantage of or if they would allow you to host a class.
- Reach out to local chefs and cooking instructors to see if they would be willing to lead a demonstration.
- Finally, be sure to promote your event well in advance and consider using a pre-registration system for participants so you can plan accordingly. Certified Angler Edu Instructors can also request to have their free event posted on the TPWD Calendar of Events.
Wild-caught fish cooking demonstrations are a fun and educational way to promote sustainable fishing and healthy eating. By hosting a demonstration at your next class or event, you can help others learn about the benefits of wild-caught fish and how to enjoy it at home. Check the TPWD Website for Wild Game and Fish recipes.
Our R3 program has started a pilot program for loaner cooking equipment that is currently available in the Central Texas region, for more info please contact Jason.Mercer@tpwd.texas.gov
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Loaner Cooking Equipment Includes:
Large 3-Burner Camp Chef Propane Grill (with filled propane tank)
2-Burner Cast Iron Flat-Top
2 Four Foot Folding Tables
12" Cast Iron Skillet with Lid
Chef Knives, Spatulas, Tongs, etc
Fish Cleaning Tools – Fillet Knives, De-Scalers, Ike Jima, Bone Saw, Etc.
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Photo credits - TPWD
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By Jerry Hamon, TPWD Volunteer Angler Edu Area Chief Trainer
When working family fishing fun events, you have to channel your inner Boy Scout! You never know what you might encounter so it's best to be prepared! Lines break, baits get lost, turtles get hooked, and too many other situations to mention. So, how do you walk around the pond, lake, creek, or river with all of the stuff you need to help folks and ensure that they have a fun day on the water? Maybe a little red wagon? That is an option but keep reading.
First, here is a list of everything that I carry around while volunteering at an event.
HOOKS – a variety of regular and snelled hooks. Treble hooks can be dangerous, so I avoid those for youth events.
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SINKERS – split shot and baitcast sinkers, preferably not lead.
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BOBBERS - medium and large two-color bobbers
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BAITS – Live red wigglers and nightcrawlers (worms). There are synthetic baits, they last forever and people often are more comfortable using them
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LURES – some crappie jigs and baits with single hooks
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TOOLS – hemostats or small pliers and nippers (line cutters)
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FIRST AID KIT and safety gear: hat & sunglasses
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So, how do I carry all of this stuff around?
A simple two pocket nail apron works great! They sell for as little as 96 cents at stores that sell tools and hardware. Also, if you mention your event to the store manager they may be willing to donate a few (especially if their logo is on them).
I keep a half dozen in a milk crate with surplus tackle to share with my fellow volunteers.
This simplifies your day out there on the water.
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Photo credits - Jerry Hamon
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by Michael Thomas, TPWD Volunteer Angler Edu Area Chief Trainer
As Area Chiefs, many of us teach the TPWD Aquatic Edu Instructor class in a round robin method rotating grouped participants every ~15 minutes through several stations. The stations can include habitat, fish identification, knot tying, tackle, rules/regs/stewardship, and trash talk (stewardship). In Houston, each Area Chief specializes in one or more stations and adds extra hands-on learning techniques to enhance the student’s experience. The tackle station shows students the operation of actual rod/reel combos and different casting techniques. Selection of tackle (hooks, weights, swivels, floats, line) and tackle box contents are also shown. Safety and first aid are emphasized. Just before the end of class as a tackle refresher, I offer the 4-minute "Rod/Reel Tester" (see attached diagram – answer key is in red).
The Rod/Reel Tester has eight labeled slots and instructions:
“Put the rod/reel combo or rod in the matching holder, orienting it in the right way”.
Slot 1: Closed face spin cast rod & reel combo
Slot 2: Open face bait cast rod & reel combo
Slot 3: Spin cast rod only
Slot 4: Closed face bait cast rod & reel combo
Slot 5: Fly cast rod & reel combo
Slot 6: Bait cast rod only
Slot 7: Open face bait cast low profile rod & reel combo
Slot 8: Open face spin cast rod & reel combo
There are eight Rod/Reel combos or rods on the table. Rods have been cut off just after the first eyelet. They may be placed in any order on the table.
The Rod/Reel Tester can be used to challenge student groups by giving 1 point for correctly matching each slot and 1 point for each correct orientation. (Interesting observation: given 8 slots and 8 items – most students will insist on filling all slots, whether they are correct or not.)
Have fun instructing!
 Photo credit - Michael Thomas
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For the first time, the Texas Fish Art calendar is 18 months (Sept 2023 - Dec 2024) instead of 12 months!
If you are wondering what to do with the 2023 calendars amazing artwork of Texas state fish, here is a great idea for how to use your Fish Art calendar after the year is over. Use some stick-on Velcro and let people cast with a yarn rod to "catch" them!
If you have students interested in submitting an entry for this year, remember the deadline is February 28th. Click on the link above for more details.
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If you enjoy this newsletter and want to read more from TPWD. Check out and sign-up for the E-Newsletters published by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Click on the "Menu" link at the top right of the website, then scroll down to bottom right column.
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TPWD Staff and Area Chiefs (volunteer Train-the-Trainers) trained 310 new instructors from July to December 2023. Go to the website to check out the list and welcome our New Instructors!
 Photo credits - Jim Bratton, Area Chief at Camp Tahuaya Scout Camp
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Check out past issues of Reel Lines newsletters to find additional tips and hands-on ideas for teaching Angler Education!
Angler Education Program | Texas Angler Educators Facebook
Learn to Fish Videos | Texas Aquatic Science | TPWD Fishing Information
Volunteer Portal | In Memoriam | Staff Contacts
Angler Education Instructor Workshops, Fishing Events, Fly Fishing Events, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Sea Center Texas
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