“Cast a Lure Catch a Student (CALCAS)”: Bringing Fishing Into Physical Education Programs

This presentation introduces physical educators to Cast a Lure, Catch a Student (CALCAS) -- an innovative curriculum that integrates fishing education into physical education. CALCAS promotes physical activity, environmental stewardship, and lifelong outdoor engagement by teaching casting techniques, knot tying, aquatic ecology, and more. The session will highlight how fishing supports SHAPE America's National Physical Education Standards by enhancing motor skill development, encouraging responsible behavior, and offering an inclusive, nontraditional pathway to a more active lifestyle. Attendees will rotate through interactive learning stations designed to simulate the CALCAS experience, equipping them with hands-on strategies for implementation of the curriculum. Participants will also gain tools to promote student engagement, social-emotional learning, and community connections through outdoor recreation. This session is ideal for educators seeking creative ways to diversify PE offerings while instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature and physical wellness.