Win a kayak prize package by mentoring eligible new anglers this summer

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2026) — Experienced anglers can “Mentor to Win" a kayak prize package each time they take a new, eligible angler fishing this summer. Hosted by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the contest is free to enter and open to anyone licensed to fish in Kentucky for the 2026-2027 license year.

The contest winner will receive a new kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and two spinning rod and reel combos. Complete contest details are available on the department's website (fw.ky.gov).

Anglers 16-years-old and older can mentor a new angler, also age 16 or older, at least once this summer through Aug. 31 to be eligible for the prize package. Both mentor and mentee must possess a valid Kentucky fishing license for their outing. The new angler must have never purchased a Kentucky fishing license or must have not purchased an annual Kentucky fishing license in the last three years.

“Our goal with this program is to get as many people engaging in the outdoors as possible," said Rachel Crume, Conservation Education Program coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We know that's where most people are healthiest and happiest and it's our privilege to share this service with both seasoned anglers and the next generation."

The mentor should use the MyProfile portal on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website to enter the name and identification number of the person that they took fishing. Mentors can enter as many times as they like by taking multiple people fishing.

Excellent fishing opportunities are available year-round on waterbodies across Kentucky and can easily be found on the Waterbodies Search page. In addition to many large lakes and streams, more than 40 Fishing in Neighborhood (FINs) lakes are located across the commonwealth to provide excellent fishing close to home.

Additional resources are available to help mentors and beginners alike learn anything they need to know to get started fishing. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Fishing landing page provides entry to many other digital resources including a quick start guide to Recreational Fishing, weekly Fishing Reports, statewide Fish Stocking schedules and fishing advice and stories from seasoned pros.

The Fish Boat KY app, available for both Apple and Android phones, is a handy fishing tool that helps anglers find waterbodies, boat ramps and other water access on the fly, and lets anglers buy a license, review the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide, get the Fishing Forecast, stocking locations and more.​