Mass Wildlife offers family-friendly beginner fishing sessions throughout the state.

You’ll learn the basics of fishing, from casting out to baiting up. As well as setting up your rod, tying knots, and identifying fish. No fishing license is required. Bring your own fishing equipment or borrow some onsite. Limited gear and bait will be provided.

Below are the ones within an hour of Boston. Get directions and sign up with the links below.

Dean Park Pond >

Shrewsbury, MA (~50 minutes from Boston)

Wednesday, Sep 14, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Free

Camp Sewataro Fishing Pond >

Sudbury, MA (~40 minutes from Boston)

Tuesday, Sep 20, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

$25 (per family of 5)

Choate Park Pond >

Medway, MA (~50 minutes from Boston)

Thursday, Sep 22, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

$5

Riverside Rod and Gun Club >

Hudson, MA (~50 minutes from Boston)

Saturday, Sep 24, 10:00am – 2:00pm

For disabled vets and their families. Contact Jim Lagacy (jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309) for more information.

Nut Island (Hough's Neck) >

Quincy, MA (~45 minutes from Boston)

Saturday, Sep 24, 10:00am – 2:00pm

$0 (for ages 16 + under) - $2 (for ages 17 + older)

Ride-sharing or public transportation is recommended for the Quincy location, as parking is limited. If you choose to drive there will be a shuttle running every 30 minutes between the Atherton Hough School lot and Nut Island.

If you choose one or all events, here's a kid-friendly activity book you may find useful. It includes a ...

• fishing safety checklist

• fish anatomy

• fish species

• types of fishing

• fishing gear

• fishing tips, and

• fishing history

The only thing it doesn't mention is sun glasses. Another family suggested we wear sunglasses when fishing with little ones for the first time. This is to prevent a fish hook from accidentally getting stuck in their eyes.

And here are some fish-related books for you to borrow from the library.