SALEM, Ore — If you like to fish and want to share that experience with someone else, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Angler and Aquatic Education Program wants you.

Instructor Certification Training is scheduled for Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at ODFW Headquarters office in Salem. Training is free but participants must pre-register; lunch and beverages will be provided.

The Angler and Aquatic Education Program is a certified training program that teaches basic angling and aquatic stewardship. The approach is hands-on and fun. The training program covers basic angling skills; aquatic ecology and stewardship; angler ethics and responsibilities; and water safety.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife provides the training and everything needed to deliver the program, including, instruction curriculum, loaner equipment, teaching materials, teaching aides, student materials and uniforms.

“You don’t need to be an expert angler to teach this course. A strong interest in introducing children and adults to the sport is all that’s required,” said ODFW Aquatic and Angler Education Outdoor Skills Education Coordinator Chris Willard.

Currently, ODFW and the City of Salem are teaming up to offer Angler Education to Salem-Keizer middle school students through the after school POWER program.

“In order to take advantage of opportunities like this to engage youth in healthy outdoor activities, we need more local instructors,” said Willard.

For more information or to sign up for this training please contact the ODFW Angler Education Program at (503) 947-6025.