NFSP Mission

National Fishing in Schools Program Mission

The goal of the National Fishing in Schools Program is to provide educators with an effective in school program that empowers them to teach outdoor eduction to youth using fishing as the instructional method. As a result, NFSP expects to increase participation in fishing and outdoor activities among such students. In addition, providing a foundation of understanding and respect for our natural resources will result in better care and attention to their protection and enhancement. Operating Principles:

All safety features, part of the NFSP training, must be followed to preserve fishing’s safety record.
NFSP lesson plans are oriented towards fly or spincast casting. Fishing is widely accepted as a safe, wholesome, and non-controversial lifetime outdoor activity.
Founders designed the program so young people everywhere, whether urban or rural, could learn casting skills and decide on their own how and where to apply those skills.
NFSP lesson plans are presented to students in grades 6-12. Students in these grade levels are able to use the age-group-specific NFSP equipment. The lesson plans were written to enable participation throughout these grade levels.
NFSP lesson plans are presented by NFSP-trained/certified instructors. Set-up and operation, equipment, and training methods used in NFSP are very specific and the same for every participating school in the program.
No matter the prospective instructor’s level of fishing experience and expertise, each must first be certified as a Level 1 Teacher at an NFSP "Teacher Training" course. Only NFSP-certified teachers may present the National Fishing in Schools Program curriculum, "Cast A Fly, Catch A Student" or "Cast A Lure, Catch A Student."

NFSP lesson plans are presented as in-school curriculum. NFSP lesson plans were co-written by educators (including the National PE Teacher of the Year in 2008) and professional fly fishers (The School of FlyFishing). They are designed to be compliant with 6 core content standards defined by education departments. By aligning with these standards, NFSP lesson plans are taught during the regular school day. This in-school teaching emphasis provides an opportunity for every student to discover their interest and aptitude for fishing as opposed to attracting only existing fishers to after-school-only programming.

Equipment used in the NFSP is age-group-specific, standardized and approved by the NFSP Board of Directors. A principle of the Fishing in Schools Program is that equipment used is safe, universal fit, modern, affordable, durable, easy for the teacher and the student to learn to use, and closely the same for every student within his/her age group.

NFSP fishing instruction focuses on the development of proper results over process.

Only entities approved by the NFSP Board of Directors may coordinate implementation of the NFSP in states, provinces, and countries. The NFSP Board of Directors reserves the right to determine these coordinating agencies.

In-school NFSP instruction is presented to every student. After-school fishing activities for NFSP students is accomplished in partnership with state fish and wildlife agencies. These activities strive to be inclusive and suited to youth of all genders, sizes, abilities, and economic backgrounds.

Every aspect of the NFSP experience, from equipment used to material covered, is suited to a large number and variety of students. Most NFSP students want to participate in after-school fishing activities. NFSP and its agency partners can assist schools as to suitable resources for these activities.

NFSP "Fairs" are fun and easy to replicate. NFSP fishing tournaments ("Fairs") feature co-educational teams. Families are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Funding partners and sponsors of the NFSP and its participating schools and events should be appropriate for youth programming.

Alcohol, tobacco products or drugs are not to be associated with the NFSP or any of its events or activities.