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. Instruction and materials are offered FREE OF CHARGE. You can even use our fishing gear during the field experience!
To learn more about the fun awaiting you, visit the CARE program webpage. If there are no classes offered in your area, have your local recreation department contact the CARE Center at (860) 663-1656. We’ll try to get one started!
Courses, classes and events are held year-round. Those available now are listed below.
| Introductory Level Family Fishing Courses The very best class for beginners! We will cover the basics about fish and fishing. Spend time learning from experienced Instructors in the classroom, and then go on a fishing trip to a local waterbody!
Specialized Fishing Courses These courses are designed for anglers with previous fishing experience. We will cover a variety of specific topics to increase your fishing skills and knowledge. Ice Fishing Classes and Events Learn the basics of this fun, wintertime sport. We will cover safety, equipment, and techniques in the classroom. Graduates will be invited to attend an ice fishing field trip. These classes are held in January and February. Special Fishing Events Mostly single-day events; they may include fishing festivals, fishing clinics, fly fishing & fly-tying lessons or anything else related to water, fish and fishing. |
| Introductory Level Family Fishing Courses Pre-registration is required Ages 8 and up – No experience needed |
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| Class Dates | Town | Location/Details | Status | Class Times | Call to Register |
| Mar 31, 2020 | Ledyard | Ledyard Library | Open | 6:00pm to 8:00pm | (860) 464-9912 |
| Apr 7, 2020 | Glastonbury | Hebron Ave School | Open | 6:30pm to 8:30pm | (860) 652-7697 |
| Apr 28, May 3, 2020 | Cromwell | Town Hall/Classroom 4/28; Fishing Trip 5/3 From 1-4pm | Open | 6:00pm to 8:00pm | (860) 632-3467 |
| May 16, 2020 | Wallingford | Park And Rec Building/Classroom 9-11am; Fishing Trip 11:30am-1:30pm | Open | 9:00am to 1:30pm | (203) 294-2120 |
| Jun 17, 2020 | Killingworth | Care Center/Classroom 5:30pm-7pm; Fishing Trip 7pm-8:30pm | Open | 5:30pm to 8:30pm | (860) 663-1656 |
| Specialized Fishing Courses Pre-registration is required Some fishing experience recommended |
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| Class Dates | Town | Location/Details | Status | Class Times | Call to Register |
| Feb 29, 2020 | Hartford | Keney Park Pondhouse/Volunteer Instructor Certification Training | Open | 10:00am to 3:00pm | (860) 663-1656 |
| Ice Fishing Classes and Events Pre-registration is required |
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| Class Dates | Town | Location/Details | Status | Class Times | Call to Register |
| Jan 9, 2020 | Glastonbury | Gideon Welles School | Open | 6:30pm to 8:30pm | (860) 652-7697 |
| Jan 9, 2020 | Oxford | Town Hall | Open | 6:00pm to 8:00pm | (203) 828-6505 |
| Jan 18, 2020 | Farmington | Winding Trails/Classroom At “lodge” 9:30-11:30am, Ice Fishing Trip 12-3pm (if Ice Conditions Are Safe) | Open | 9:30am to 3:00pm | [email protected] |
| Jan 19, 2020 | Bristol | Indian Rock Nature Center/Class 10am-12pm; Ice Fishing Trip 12-3pm (if Ice Conditions Are Safe) | Open | 10:00am to 3:00pm | (860) 583-1234 |
| Jan 21, 2020 | Monroe | Senior Center | Open | 6:30pm to 8:30pm | (203) 452-2806 |
| Jan 22, 2020 | West Hartford | Westmoor Park | Open | 6:30pm to 8:30pm | (860) 561-8260 |
| Jan 25, 2020 | Litchfield | White Memorial/Classroom 10am-12pm; Ice Fishing Trip 12-3pm (if Ice Conditions Are Safe) | Open | 10:00am to 3:00pm | (860) 567-0857 |
| Jan 26, 2020 | Killingworth | Care Center/Classroom 10am-12pm; Ice Fishing Trip 12-3pm (if Ice Conditions Are Safe) | Open | 10am to 3pm | (860) 663-1656 |
| Feb 8, 2020 | Coventry | Patriots Park – Lodge/Classroom 10am-12pm; Ice Fishing Trip (if Ice Conditions Are Safe) 12-3pm | Open | 10:00am to 3:00pm | (860) 742-4068 |
| Special Fishing Events | |||||
| Class Dates | Town | Location/Details | Status | Class Times | Call to Register |
| Feb 1, 2020 | Torrington | Burr Pond State Park/No Child Left Inside – Winter Festival (with Ice Fishing) | Open | 10:00am to 3:00pm | register at event |
READ MORE at ct.gov
