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Learn to fish
Learn to fish
Now is a great time to get started fishing!
It’s so easy to get started with fishing in Michigan. Here’s a checklist of what you need:
- Choose your company. Do a solo outing, grab some friends for some fishing fun or make it a family trip.
- Buy your fishing license. If you’re a Michigan resident, you can get an annual license for just $26.
- Pick up some gear. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Some basic rods and reels, hooks, sinkers, bobbers and baits are all you need.
- Decide where you want to go. Fish your local lake, book a charter on one of the Great Lakes or plan a trip to a special stream.
- Think about what species you want to fish for. Do some bobber fishing for panfish, throw lures at bass, target walleye or fall in love with something else.
Classes and clinics
Hook, Line and Sinker
This FREE program teaches kids how to fish!
We'll teach casting and fishing basics, and can provide you with a fishing pole to use if you don't have your own.
Outdoor Skills Academy
The Outdoor Skills Academy classes and clinics provide a more in-depth skill development opportunity for teens and adults.
The classes are offered for a fee and require registration free.
General fishing information
Videos
Fishing safety and etiquette
Fishing in Michigan is fun – but there is always the potential for accidents or misunderstandings with other anglers. But following super simple safety and etiquette rules can help keep all anglers happy and healthy!
How to: Catch and release
Do you know how to properly catch and release a fish to minimize stress and maximize survival rate? Check out this video, featuring step-by-step instructions and some tips and tricks even the most seasoned anglers may not have heard before!
How to: Choose the right equipment for panfish
New to the sport of fishing? Not sure what kind of equipment to buy and use? Watch this video to learn about the basics of what you’ll need!
Clean and care for your catch
Learn how to clean and care for your catch. Tips include keeping your catch cold while out on the water, filleting your fish using the skeleton and fins as a guide, and soaking the fillets in salted ice water.
How to: fishing for panfish
New to the sport of fishing? Not sure how to use your basic equipment? Watch this video to learn about how to fish for panfish, including how to attach bait to the hook, set the hook in the fish's mouth, and reel in and safely release any fish you catch.
How to: fishing bait
Great tips for beginners about what types of fishing bait to choose.