No matter the season, we're always planning for summer fishing fun and excitement. The Fishing in the Neighborhood (FIN) program partners with local parks and community organizations to bring learn-to-fish opportunities to area residents and visitors from June through August.
2015 FIN'terns
2015 FIN'tern training outing
Apply now to be a FIN'tern
In 2016, college-age interns — or FIN'terns — will be based at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Parks System.
Apply for these summer internships by submitting an internship application [PDF], resume and cover letter. Be sure to include three references on the application. Submit application materials to Theresa Stabo, theresa.stabo@wisconsin.gov; mailing address: DNR, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921.
Application Deadline: Monday, February 22, 2016.
Review position description [PDF] and contact information.
Internships run from May 16 – August 29.
Training is scheduled for May 16 – 19, 2016 at the MacKenzie Center in Poynette, about 30 miles north of Madison.
FIN'terns receive stipends of $3500.00 (minus payroll taxes) for an average of 35 hours per week.
Several days during the summer are spent with a DNR fisheries field biologist.
Take a look at what past FIN'terns have said about their experiences:
"Working with a group of seniors was very rewarding. It brings a special feeling to provide opportunities for people who enjoy fishing, but rarely get the chance" — Brandice, Urban Ecology Center.
"The internship was a great opportunity to network with people and build professional skills, all the while introducing people to a fun and healthy hobby" — Charlie, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.
"We had many learning experiences this summer and we sure learned a lot in the field with our park supervisor and DNR field staff" — Chloe, Milwaukee County Parks.
"The best part was the opportunity to fish with Milwaukee's youth across a variety of parks" — Kendalyn, Milwaukee County Parks.
FIN Program Interns might be fishing in your neighborhood
FIN'terns will be available to work with your group to teach fishing fundamentals and connect people to aquatic resources in the area. Programming formats will vary among the sites from 2-week sessions to drop-in, like old-fashioned summer playground programs.
What to expect
Free fishing instruction including safety, knot tying, proper equipment and techniques.
Fishing equipment is available, but bring your own rod and reel if you have one.
Bait.
No pre-registration required, however notice is appreciated if you are bringing a large group.
Not just for Kids
Watch for notices of FIN events that welcome the whole community to come out and fish together, including adults who may have missed the boat as kids. Instruction and gear will be provided at these events. Licenses are required for people over the age of 16.
Fees
FIN is supported by the Sport Fish Restoration fund, which is generated by the federal excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel. Programs are typically free, although there may be fees for special field trips.
