The Aquatic Resources Education Program (AREP) promotes the sport of fishing and aquatic resource awareness as well as a way to give youth, an opportunity to learn about Oklahoma's aquatic environments and how to fish.
Department of Wildlife Conservation employees and certified volunteers offer free fishing clinics across the state for the public to participate in to learn about the sport of fishing in Oklahoma. If you are interested in learning more about fishing, or looking to jump back in, you might want to attend one of the classes offered. A list of public fishing clinics can be found in the following link below.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Developed in 1988, the program's objectives are:
- Increase the understanding, appreciation, and awareness of Oklahoma's aquatic resources.
- Facilitate the learning of angling skills, outdoor ethics, and sport-fishing opportunities in the state.
- Enhance urban fishing opportunities.
- Develop Family Fishing Clinics or seminars.
- Provide information on specialized fishing techniques.
What is a Aquatic Resources Education Program (AREP) Fishing Clinic?
An AREP clinic consists of an educational component that teaches basic fishing techniques and is usually followed by an opportunity to fish at a nearby pond or lake. Clinics are conducted by certified volunteer instructors or ODWC employees.
EDUCATIONAL TOPICS
- Fish Identification
- Knot Tying
- Fish Cleaning & Cooking
- Equipment Demonstration
- Water Safety
- Outdoor Ethics
- Water Quality
- Laws & Regulations
These clinics provide an excellent means for clubs, organizations, church groups, and others who care about kids, fishing, or conservation, to give something back. A variety of literature (posters and brochures, etc.) is available for certified volunteer instructors to distribute to fishing clinic participants. Rods and reels, teaching aids, and fishing supplies are also available for checkout by certified volunteers to use at Aquatic Resources Education Program events.
What is a certified volunteer? How do I become one?
The Aquatic Resources Education Program has almost 300 volunteers across the state that help to coordinate events throughout the year. These volunteers play a big role in the program's success. New volunteers are crucial to the continued success of the program and its growth.
Individuals who become volunteers are normally lifelong anglers who want to share the heritage of fishing with others. Certified volunteers are required to attend a short two-hour training event that covers the program basics. If you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer and looking to help out with an event or start your own you can obtain an application and information HERE.
What is the Oklahoma Fishing In The Schools?
Following the success of the Oklahoma National Archery In The Schools Program, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation began to provide training for teachers to incorporate the Aquatic Resources Education Program into the classroom. The program was then deemed as "Oklahoma Fishing In The Schools". Currently almost 150 schools across the state have become certified and involved with the program since it was started in 2011.
Visit the Oklahoma Fishing in the Schools Page.
Have additional questions?