Over Memorial Day Weekend, American Canoe Association rolled out the brand new Paddlesports Angler Curriculum. This new curriculum was developed over several months and this very first class was in planning for a year. Tennessee State Parks supported the class with boats and gear for those that were in need.  Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency allowed us to hold the 2 day course on the Buffalo River at the TWRA Buffalo Ridge Refuge.

The lead instructors for the class were the ACA President of the Board of Directors, Robin Pope, and TSRA VP Geoff Luckett. They were supported throughout the weekend by ACA certified instructors: Daniel Mckee, Daniel Rogers, and John Michael Cassidy, and Andrea White. Organizations being represented were: TSRA, West Tennessee Canoe Kayak Club, Metro Nashville Parks, and Georgia River Network. The issue of kayak fishing safety has become such a concern, we were able to get all of the above mentioned organizations to pull together and get this class done.

Throughout the weekend the participants were able to use a combination of classroom instruction as well as hands on, and on the water training. Topics covered included fishing specific knowledge and skills, as well as kayak safety knowledge and skills. 

It was a very successful weekend which lead to the ACA having 4 new certified Paddlesports Angler instructors, 3 students that have decided to pursue certification to become ACA instructors, and an entire class of paddlers/anglers that are now able to enjoy a day on the water with much more confidence in their angling and paddling skills. 

If you are an experienced paddler but would like to get some basic knowledge about kayak fishing, or an experienced angler that would like to get more knowledge on the proper techniques for safety and paddling, this is a class that you could enjoy. It can lead to having much more productive days on the water, while being safe, paddling and fishing.

LOOK FOR PADDLESPORTS ANGLER CLASS FROM TSRA IN THE NEAR FUTURE.