Thad Wester Fishing School 2024

By Senior Educator Jennifer Wiggen

The Conservancy’s Fishing School began in 1983 and continues to generate great enthusiasm for fishing, from beginners to seasoned pros. Fishing School was started by the Conservancy’s founder, Dr. Thad Wester, and we are thrilled to continue his legacy. Now in its 41st year, the Fishing School offers a format that is as educational as it is enjoyable with classroom learning sessions and lots of surf fishing with knowledgeable instructors.

This year’s annual Thad Wester Fishing School was a huge success! Participants arrived on Friday for a full-day classroom program, where they learned the lay of the land with our local fishing experts. After they were taught to rig up their lines, they got some cast netting practice and worked up an appetite for some of Mrs. Ginny Reeves’ delicious gumbo!

On Saturday, our group began fishing at sunrise and reeled in some beautiful flounder, bluefish, rays, sharks, and red drum! After a full day of fishing, we gathered our catch and came together for a fish fry. What a wonderful weekend of sharing experiences, advice, and good food!