Saltwater Fishing Education

The Saltwater Fishing Education Program certifies volunteers to become Certified Saltwater Fishing Instructors. Volunteers help lead and assist with fishing outreach programs. This program is coast-wide, and volunteers are needed from every coastal county. All programs cover the basics of saltwater fishing and teach skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, how to ID saltwater fish, and best catch and release practices.

The Saltwater Fishing Education Program certifies volunteers to become Certified Saltwater Fishing Instructors. Volunteers help lead and assist with fishing outreach programs. This program is coast-wide, and volunteers are needed from every coastal county. All programs cover the basics of saltwater fishing and teach skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, how to ID saltwater fish, and best catch and release practices. 

Fishing instructors can participate in any of the following volunteer programs:

Fishing Clinics: These clinics are typically 3 hours long and include a sit-down instructional component then a fishing component. These clinics can be taught more actively making them shorter. Target audiences include beginners, those who need refreshers, families, kids, bilingual participants, mobility-impaired, women, and veterans. Locations include piers, beaches, docks or impoundments. 

Fishing 101 Classes: These classes are instructional classes only and serves as an introductory class to saltwater fishing. Locations occur at businesses who help host the event. Businesses include West Marine and Bass Pro Shops.

Kids Fishing Tournaments/Rodeos: Assisting with SCDNR kids fishing tournaments and rodeos along the coast.

Fishing Outreach/Tabling Events: Assisting with expos, tabling events, and bigger outreach events such as the Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic and fishing expos

Volunteer Responsibilities:

-Leading and participating in SCDNR fishing clinics and other saltwater outreach programs.

-Teaching children and adults the basic saltwater fishing skills, setting up and breaking down fishing clinics, and maintaining gear.

-Maintaining communication with volunteer coordinator about clinics, maintaining fishing equipment, and/or recording volunteer hours.

Volunteer requirements include: 

-Sign the SCDNR Regular Service Volunteer Agreement form annually

-Pass a state background check

-Participate in a mandatory Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer training. This typically takes place between January-March. 

-Host or volunteer for at least two fishing events a year 

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

Next Steps:

1) Fill out the Saltwater Fishing Education Track (Volunteer Application) here

2) Wait until the Volunteer Coordinator approves qualifications. It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks to get the background check processed. The volunteer coordinator will email letting you know if you have been accepted or denied. 

3) Once your application gets approved. You will be able to view the different volunteer opportunities available through this site.

Common FAQs:

What if I'm interested in volunteering right now but the Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer training isn't offered until a later date?

Unfortunately, we're only able to offer this training once a year. It typically takes place sometime between January-March. We encourage you to still fill out the volunteer application, but do know that you won't be able to actively start volunteering once you take the training. We will let you know as soon as the training date gets posted. We encourage interested volunteers to participate in one of our fishing programs to see firsthand what it will be like to volunteer. View that event calendar here. 

Why am I not able to respond to this opportunity or see any other Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer opportunities?

If your background check hasn't been approved or you haven't taken the Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer training then you won't be able to view or respond to any other volunteer opportunities for this program. All Certified Fishing Instructors must pass the qualifications in order to participate in program. The volunteer coordinator will reach out through email letting you know if you have been accepted into the program. Hold on tight!