WHAT IS THE NEW ENGLAND FISHING ACADEMY

Fishing and More

Each day our our camp features new lessons and new places to fish. Our students learn all aspects of fishing: Knots, Bait, Tackle, Line, Casting, Entomology. We teach fishing as a process driven experience over results. How have you grown as a fisherman? Instead of: How many fish did you catch? Rest assured our campers catch and catch but the steps along the way are just as important as the bass on the line.

The Beginning

Professional educators run the New England Fishing Academy, focusing on our shared passions - education, the outdoors, and fishing. Hence, we began the New England Fishing Academy to inspire a younger generation to develop a life-long love and appreciation for fishing and conservation. Cell phones, social media, video games, and other forms of technology have consumed the lives of this generation. We feel that the outdoors provides a healthy reprieve from screens and encourages young people to gain a greater appreciation for living in the present.

Recreation

As career educators, we love the teaching aspect and we want our students to have a fun and transformational experience. Therefore, we offer conventional fishing, fly fishing, spin fishing, float tubing, shore fishing, boat fishing and even pulling some of our lobster pots in the harbor are just some of the things you'll find at New England Fishing Academy.

CURRICULUM

At the New England Fishing Academy, our primary goal is to help participants become more proficient anglers, but we also emphasize the importance of having fun and enjoying the outdoors. Fishing, after all, is called 'fishing' and not 'catching' for a reason. If catching fish were easy, everyone would do it—yet, that's part of the challenge and enjoyment of the experience. To this end, we focus on three main areas of instruction:

**Preparation** - Participants learn how weather conditions, the moon phase, the time of day, the season, and tides influence fish feeding patterns. - We cultivate an awareness and appreciation for various fisheries and ecosystems to help determine the appropriate lures, flies, or bait to use. - Understanding how to prepare rods and reels is essential. - Mastering knots is critical; knowing how to tie specific knots is one of the most important aspects of preparing for a successful fishing trip. **Execution** - It’s vital to position yourself correctly—whether in a boat, kayak, canoe, float tube, or on foot—to make an effective cast. - Participants learn the most effective and efficient casting techniques for both spin and fly rods. - We cover the best ways to present lures, bait, or flies. - Proper techniques for setting hooks and reeling in fish are taught. - We also emphasize the proper handling of landed fish and the safest methods for releasing them back into the water.

**Conservation** - Understanding the importance of respecting and appreciating our surroundings and ecosystems is essential. - Participants learn about the need to keep invasive species, such as certain aquatic plants and fish like carp, out of our waters. Even rainbow trout can be seen as invasive. - We provide insights into how food chains operate and the interactions among plants, animals, insects, and fish. - Discussions include the negative impacts of plastics, pollutants, and a lack of awareness on our waterways. Through these focused areas, we aim to foster a deeper connection to fishing, the environment, and the joy of the outdoors.