The Youth Fishing Program
Fishing is one of our most popular activities in Nebraska, and is certainly a great family past-time. The Youth Fishing
Program is a statewide program designed to introduce kids to fishing in a safe, ethical, and enjoyable manner. Trained
volunteer instructors teach fishing basics such as:
- casting
- knot tying
- fish identification
- ethics
- regulations
- water safety
Annually the YFP helps about 11,000 Nebraska youth to experience how much fun fishing can be. Classes are free and
may be held nearly anywhere for any sized group.
The necessary materials, tackle and equipment is provided by the Youth Fishing Program through our trained certified
fishing volunteers. The programs can be tailored to suit individual groups of any size and vary in length from one hour to
all day depending on the audience!
To schedule a program, just request a list of volunteers in your area and contact them to arrange a time, date, and
program specifics. The volunteer instructors will do the rest!
In the past we have worked with kid's groups of all sorts, including:
- scout troops
- 4-H
- church groups
- schools
- hospitals
- clubs
- city park and recreation programs
If you would like a list of volunteers or more information call or write us at:
Telephone: (402) 332-3901
E-mail: andrea.faas@nebraska.gov
Mailing address:
Aksarben Aquarium
Youth Fishing Program
21502 West Highway 31
Gretna, NE 68028
For Anglers ...
How to Become a Fishing Instructor
How did you learn to fish? Odds are a parent, grandparent, friend or relative took you out and got you hooked by showing you
the basics and how much fun fishing can be.
Unfortunately, many kids today have no such mentor to learn the thrills of fishing. By teaching or helping at a fishing
workshop, you can have a genuine impact on a child's life.If you are interested in sharing your knowledge and enjoyment of
the great sport of fishing, then you might want to become a certified volunteer fishing instructor with our Youth Fishing
Program
Becoming a fishing instructor is easy. Attend a short certification workshop and you're ready to go. We'll supply the
rods & reels, tackle, and educational materials to make your kid's fishing workshop a success. You'll have a fun and
rewarding time and the kid's will learn to fish.
It's a win-win situation for everyone! You do not need to be an expert to teach kid's to fish. We deal with the basics so
all you really need is a little bit of fishing experience, and the desire to offer this opportunity to the youth in your
community.
Instructor training workshops are free and are held all over the state. Join the more than 360 Nebraskan's that are
currently certified as volunteer fishing instructors. Fishing programs can be hosted by individuals, or by your entire
community.
If your fishing club or local service club would like to host a kid's fishing event, this is a great way to get the necessary
tackle and materials.
Supplies are only loaned out to certified volunteers. We can train just one person in your group, or every club member
that will participate. Call or write us for more details.
Additional opportunities in fishing instruction are available through the Fishing Host Program.
Aquatic Education in the Classroom
Aquatic Education in the Classroom
Are you looking for a program that can help you teach the basic concepts about Nebraska's aquatic resources? The Aquatic Education Program is a source of classroom materials that can assist in teaching about the natural resources of our state. The information is easy for teachers to implement and use. Participation is FREE...and it's easy. Just contact us at the Aquarium and we'll send an Aquatic Education Teachers packet. That packet includes:
- Whisker's Coloring Book - coloring book with common Nebraska fish species
- Fish bookmarks - colorful and informative, seven different species per set
- Common Fish of Nebraska pocket identification guide
- Fish Anatomy poster - fish parts, inside and out
- Nebraska Fish poster - 30 or so of the state's more common fish
- Tackle Box poster with pictures of basic fishing tackle
- List of other available materials and Request Card for materials*
* Materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be ordered by request card or by phone. Loans are generally limited to seven days, although in some instances longer arrangements can be made. Loaned materials usually are shipped UPS at our expense, and the school is responsible for their return charges. They include:
- DVDs: Choice of various titles ranging on subjects including wetlands, fish, ponds, pollution and many more!
- Water Test Kits: Popular Hatch style kit allows you to test for pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrates and temperature. Also contains secchi disk and plankton net.
- Fish Trunk: with resources and activities for students to learn about fish of Nebraska and their habitat needs.
- Macroinvertebrate Kit: collection nets, sorting trays, sorting tools and identification keys.
For more information about Nebraska's Aquatic Education Program for teachers, contact andrea.faas@nebraska.gov or Aksarben Aquarium 402-332-3901.
Who Pays For It?
Money for Nebraska's aquatic education program comes from federal tax revenues generated by Wallop-Breaux, an excise tax placed on all fishing and boating equipment sold in America. This money is then returned to the states to be used in Sport Fish Restoration Projects, of which education is a part.
surrounding Platte River bluff country nearby combine to offer excellent indoor and outdoor classrooms for school field trips
at no cost.
